PET/CT

The microPET/CT laboratory was established in 2014 and offers state-of-the-art facilities for molecular imaging research using different radiotracers, as well as, high resolution anatomical computed tomography (CT) images.

Resources available in the microPET/CT laboratory allow for in vivo imaging studies in rodents targeting different systems and various research questions, as well as, ex vivo/in vitro imaging of human tissue samples and organs.

MicroPET/CT system:

• Mediso nanoPET/CT, Mediso Medical Imaging Systems, Budapest, Hungary  
• Axial field of view (FOV): 28 cm
• PET spatial resolution: 1.02 mm (axial cFOV, FWHM)
• PET sensitivity: 8%
• CT spatial resolution: <30μm at 10% modulation transfer function (MTF)

The preclinical PET/CT imaging facilities are complemented by laboratories dedicated to cell, tissue and organ radiolabelling for subsequent tracking or imaging using the microPET/CT system.

Through our active collaboration with the radiochemistry department at the clinical research imaging centre (CRIC), a wide range of ¹⁸F- and ¹¹C-labelled radiotracers can be produced on site for preclinical PET/CT imaging. Examples include:

• ¹⁸F-FDG for imaging glucose metabolism;
• ¹⁸F-NaF for imaging crystals of hydroxyapatite;
• ¹⁸F-L-Dopa for imaging dopamine turnover;  
• ¹⁸F-Fluorocholine for imaging cellular membrane phospholipids;

Others available upon consultation.

Dr Adriana Tavares

Head Preclinical PET/CT Facility

Contact details

• Email: adriana.tavares@ed.ac.uk
• Web: Academic Profile

Examples of Studies using our PET/CT Equipment