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Groningen Small Animal Imaging facility - GronSAI

A centralised facility for multimodality imaging of small animals Facility
As GronSAI we unite small animal imaging modalities to achieve excellent multi-modality imaging by sharing expertise and by providing a single portal for internal and external researchers.

Embedded in the Central Animal Facility and Medical Imaging Center of the UMCG, with GronSAI we offer multidisciplinary expertise on:

  • Structural and functional imaging
  • Data processing and analysis
  • Animal models

This includes:

  • Expertise in designing and performing small animal MRI, CT, PET and optical imaging studies
  • Expertise in processing and analysis of imaging data
  • The possibility to use a large variety of PET radioligands and to develop new ones
  • The possibility to perform studies under Biosafety Level II
  • A large variety in animal models and microsurgical support
  • Translation of preclinical findings to clinical studies

Access to GronSAI

Our small animal imaging equipment and facilities are accessible for internal and external researchers. We provide support for all studies and train researchers to independently perform their own studies. In addition, we can perform complete studies as a part of academic collaboration and contract research.

For new request of (small animal) imaging studies, please contact us for further information.

Access to the facility is only provided after:

  • We have approved the project
  • You have obtained a permit from the Competent Authority for performing the research project when using laboratory animals
  • If applicable, when necessary licenses for working with Genetically Modified Organisms and/or radioactivity are obtained

    • For information and advice on studies using optical imaging and MRI, please contact Drs. Kees van de Kolk: c.w.a.van.de.kolk@umcg.nl

    • For optical and MRI imaging studies in small animals, it is advised to discuss concept proposals before submitting them to the Competent Authority
    • After we have approved the project and the necessary permits and licenses are obtained, the optical imaging and MRI systems can be booked via the intranet site of the Central Animal Facility

    • For information and advice on studies using PET and CT, please contact Dr. Janine Doorduin: j.doorduin@umcg.nl
    • For PET and CT imaging studies in small animals, it is advised to discuss concept proposals before submitting them to the Competent Authority
    • After we have approved the project and the necessary permits and licenses are obtained, an appointment should be made with Ing. Contact Jürgen Sijbesma: j.w.a.sijbewsma@umcg.nl to discuss the reservations for the PET and/or CT systems and for individual training

Optical imaging, MRI & PET/CT

    • High-sensitivity fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging
    • High-throughput with 23 cm Field-Of-View
    • High-resolution (20 microns) with 3.9 cm Field-Of-View
    • Twenty-eight high efficiency filters spanning 430-850 nm

    • Fluorescence imaging
    • Broad spectral fluorescence range, 650-850 nm
    • Field-Of-View: 8 x 8 cm
    • Minimal image pixel resolution: 156 microns

    • Vertical bore system
    • Field strength of 9.4T
    • Gradient system of 1500 mT/m

    • Horizontal bore system
    • Field strength of 7T
    • Inner diameter of 30 cm
    • Conventional imaging: 20.5 cm shielded imaging gradient system (200 mT/m)

    • Axial Field-Of-View: 7.6 cm
    • Transaxial Field-Of-View: 19 cm
    • Resolution at the Center of Field-Of-View: <1.3 mm
    • Sensitivity: 4%
    • Respiratory and cardiac gating

    • Axial Field-Of-View: 9.6 cm (for a PET+CT scan for docked system)
    • Transaxial Field-Of-View: 10 cm
    • PET: Resolution at the Center of Field-Of-View: 1.4 mm
    • PET: Sensitivity: 10%
    • CT: Maximum spatial resolution: 20 microns
    • Respiratory and cardiac gating

Contact

Janine Doorduin Assistant professor

Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen
Hanzeplein 1
Afdeling NGMB (Langstraat 4) HPC EB50
Postbus 30.001
9700 RB Groningen