Preclinical PET/CT Provides Whole-Body Molecular Imaging

A combination positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) system provides sub-millimeter spatial resolution over a large field of view with minimal radiation.

The Bruker (Billerica, MA, USA) Si78 scanner is a next-generation nuclear molecular imaging (NMI) system for mice and rats that combines a total body PET detector with sub-millimeter spatial resolution and high sensitivity over a large field of view (FoV), together with a very fast, low radiation dose and high-resolution micro-CT. Features include double-sided and fully open access to the imaging gantry; single click, auto connect animal cradles for mice and rats, including anesthesia supply; and animal warming, respiration, and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors and gas exhaust sensors.


Animal life support and PET tracer application equipment can be interfaced to the main instrument with a single clip on action. Interactive scan planning and seamless integration with PET/CT workflows (from animal positioning and imaging to data processing and management) is provided by the company’s ParaVision 360 software and validated multi-modal in vivo protocols and scan programs. Together, they support reproducibility and consistent PET quantification for global preclinical discovery, development, and validation processes.

“With the introduction of the PET/CT Si78, we have achieved a major milestone in our strategy to extend our portfolio with sophisticated multimodal imaging solutions,” said Michael Heidenreich, PhD, vice president of preclinical NMI at Bruker. “By combining the best technologies and software platform, we are enabling the molecular imaging community to conduct better research, leading to new translational discoveries. Functional, structural and metabolic assessments are now becoming easier.”

PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a 3D image of functional processes in the body. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide tracer. Tracer concentrations are then constructed in 3D by computer analysis. In modern PET-CT scanners, 3D imaging is often accomplished with the aid of a CT X-ray scan performed during the same session, in the same machine.