Imaging

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Explore Our Extensive Imaging Capabilities

Access state-of-the-art preclinical and clinical imaging technologies and detailed analysis capabilities of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center through Wake Forest Innovations. Our faculty and staff have broad experience with all imaging modalities commonly used in clinical trials and preclinical research, including PET, CT and MRI. We also have specialized modalities, such as MEG and IVUS, and an on-site cyclotron. Explore some of our imaging capabilities below.

GE PETtrace 10 Cyclotron

Using the GE PETtrace Radiotracer Production System, our radiochemists can radio-label compounds and image their uptake for optimal tracking in various clinical and preclinical models. Our team of experts also collaborates with industry investigators to troubleshoot the imaging process and provide detailed data packages for analysis.

Key capabilities include:

  • A vertical mid-plane that can accelerate protons to 16.5 MeV and deuterons to 8.4 MeV of energy
  • Integration with various targets/process systems for production of common PET radioisotopes
  • Automatic transfer of PET isotopes—including oxygen-15, nitrogen-13, carbon-11, Zirconium-89 and fluorine-18—to the radiochemistry processing systems for efficient conversion into finished radiotracers or precursors for use in preparing other labeled molecules

Detailed Analysis Core

The Detailed Analysis Core at Wake Forest Baptist specializes in data collection and high-throughput multimodal image analysis using TeraRecon. No matter the imaging data source, the staff of this core laboratory collaborates with investigators to best determine and achieve a study’s image analysis objectives.

Key capabilities include:

  • Three TeraRecon AquariusNET servers that provide distributed 2D/3D/4D real-time rendering and visualization
  • XNAT informatics databases, with integrated QC, clinical alerts and alert tracking
  • Arterial spin label MRI (ASL)
  • Advanced diffusion imaging (DTI, DKI, NODDI, multi-shell HARDI)
  • Tract-based spatial statistics
  • Voxel-based morphometry
  • White matter lesion segmentation and other lesion segmentation for fMRI (both at resting-state and task)
  • Network analysis (graph theory)
  • PET image processing and MEG analyses
  • Non-human primate atlases and fully automated processing

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Our Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra 3T MRI Scanner is operated by dedicated magnetic resonance-registered technologists with experience in all aspects of magnetic resonance imaging research for both clinical and preclinical imaging.

Our Bruker Biospin micro-MRI scanner provides preclinical imaging for a variety of platforms with sub-0.1mm resolution in a number of cutting-edge imaging techniques, including magnetically-labeled cell tracking, cardiac and atherosclerosis imaging, proton spectroscopy and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).

Computed Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

When it comes to CT and PET scanners, we house a wide range of tools, including a co-registered Micro CT and Micro PET specialized for small rodent models. We have two organic chemistry laboratories and a radiochemistry laboratory, as well as a dedicated radiochemist, that all provide support for the conception and design of novel radiopharmaceuticals for use in PET imaging.

Key capabilities include:

  • Toshiba Aquilion CT Scanner dedicated to preclinical imaging, offering 32 slices per rotation at 0.5mm using high resolution scanning mode, a gantry speed of 0.5 seconds and equipped with cardiac gating
  • GE 16-slice PET/CT Discovery ST Scanner with 24 detector rings that provide 47 contiguous image planes over a maximum 70 cm transaxial field of view with CT attenuation correction, operated by a Nuclear Medicine-registered technologist
  • GE PETtrace 10 Cyclotron for easy and efficient in-house production of radioisotopes
  • Varian Analytical HPLC, attached with UV and radioisotope detectors, and a Packard Cobra II auto-gamma counter for metabolite analysis

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Magnetoenchephalography (MEG) non-invasively measures magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity of the brain. Faster than fMRI, PET or SPECT imaging, it directly measures brain function with high temporal resolution. Our CTF MEG 2005 instrument is equipped with 275 first-order axial-gradiometers and the capability of simultaneous acquisition of 64-channel EEG.

Vevo LAZR Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging integrates the sensitivity of light-based imaging with the resolution of high-frequency sound waves to provide never-before-seen insights into cellular environment and flow of blood. This imaging technique produces non-invasive functional, anatomic and visual information.

Key capabilities include:

  • Comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and function
  • Anatomical identification of blood vessels and blood flow quantification
  • Assessment of organ or tumor perfusion using contrast imaging functionality and microbubble perfusion
  • Visualization and quantification of molecular markers in vivo in real-time
  • Monitoring of tumor growth, volume and angiogenesis
  • Tissue hypoxia assessments through hemoglobin content and oxygen saturation quantifications

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