Small Animal Imaging Laboratory | Department of Medicine | School of Medicine

The Small Animal Imaging Laboratory (SAIL) provides advanced preclinical imaging using the VECTor7/CT/OI platform, combining high-resolution CT with SPECT, PET and optical imaging. This integrated system supports non-invasive, longitudinal studies that connect anatomical, functional and molecular information within a single platform.

Planning an imaging study?

Connect with the SAIL team to discuss study design, imaging modalities, radiotracers and experimental requirements.

Contact us: time@queensu.ca

Imaging Modalities

CT

High-resolution anatomical imaging with 2D, 3D and 4D visualization, quantitative density measurements and ECG/respiration gating.

Key specifications

X-ray Tube: Cone-beam air-cooled tube
X-ray Voltage Range: 20 - 65 kVp
Spatial Resolution: up to 2.4 µm voxel size (depending on acquisition settings)
Scan Time: from a few seconds (fast mode) up to an hour (depending on acquisition settings and resolution)
Quantification: volumetric and density-based measurements (Hounsfield units)
Other Specifications: ECG/Respiration gating imaging

PET

High-sensitivity molecular imaging for assessing metabolic activity, biodistribution and other functional processes.

Key specifications

High sensitivity molecular imaging
Spatial Resolution: ~0.8-1.2 mm
Common tracers include F-18 compounds (18FDG). Other PET tracers (such as 64Cu) must be discussed with Queen’s RSO.
Quantitative assessment of metabolic activity
ECG/Respiration gating imaging

SPECT

Ultra-high-resolution functional imaging using radiotracers, with quantitative imaging and physiological gating.

Key specifications

Ultra-high resolution (~0.5 mm) using multi-pinhole technology
Supporting multiple radiotracers (Tc-99m, I-125, …)
Quantitative functional imaging
ECG/Respiration gating imaging

Optical Imaging

Fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging provide highly sensitive detection of cellular and molecular activity.

Key specifications

The Optical Imaging module is a stand-alone configuration that can be mounted on the VECTor7 docking station for multimodal imaging. Multi-mouse beds accommodating 3, 5 or 10 mice are available for bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging.

Research applications

Bone and mineralized tissue imaging
Cardiopulmonary research
Cancer research
Cardiovascular studies
Brain and neurobiology imaging
Drug development and biodistribution
Inflammation and infection imaging
Gene-expression monitoring
Multimodal longitudinal studies

Beyond biomedical research

The ultra-high-resolution CT capabilities can also support:

geoscience and geomaterials research
materials science and manufacturing
environmental research
botanical and ecological studies

Image analysis and data support

SAIL provides software and workstations for reconstruction, quantitative analysis, visualization and rendering of CT, PET and SPECT data. Researchers may use the software independently or work with a TIME scientist for analysis support.

MILabs acquisition and reconstruction software
Imalytics Preclinical
PMOD
ImageJ / Fiji
OsiriX Lite / Horos
3D Slicer
DragonFly

Additional Equipment

Animal monitoring and anesthesia

M2M BioVet animal monitoring and gating module for temperature control and respiratory/ECG monitoring during in vivo studies
Standard isoflurane anesthesia system using medical-grade compressed oxygen
Univentor 410 Anesthesia Unit using an isoflurane and air mixture

Radiotracer and radiation equipment

LabLogic Scan-RAM Radio-TLC Scanner/Analyzer with Laura Radiopharmacy software
Atomlab 500 Dose Calibrator
L-Block Shield with 2-inch lead shielding
LB 124 Berthold Survey Meter
Ludlum Model 14C Survey Meter
Traceco PED-Blue personal electronic dosimeter

Sample measurement

Thermo Scientific NanoDrop UV-Vis Spectrophotometer for DNA, RNA and protein quantification from small-volume samples

Before you begin

Experimental design

Researchers are encouraged to consult with Dr. Elahe Alizadeh before beginning a study. Consultations can support imaging-plan development, experimental design, tracer or radioisotope selection and radiation-safety considerations.

Email: elahe.alizadeh@queensu.ca

Animal research requirements

All personnel handling live animals in the scanner room must complete the required Queen’s animal-care training, including:

QACS 799 – Introduction to Animals in Science
Relevant UACC Practical Skills Workshops
Routine and technical procedure training as required

Personnel must also be listed on an active Animal Use Protocol. The Principal Investigator is responsible for providing an approved Animal Use Protocol, including any required amendments.

Radiation safety

¹⁸FDG and any other PET/SPECT tracers (such as ¹⁸F, ^99mTc, ⁶⁴Cu) are available via external suppliers. Queen’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible to order the radiotracer from the suppliers to be delivered to the imaging lab.

QCPU has a quarterly service plan from National Dosimetry Service (NDS) of Health Canada to provide TLD dosimeters for individuals who handle radioactive materials.
There is an L-Block shield in the lab with interlocking lead bricks with 2” lead thickness, which can provide enough shielding for working with high-energy gamma radiotracer.
A Ludlum Model 14C and a LB 124 Berthold survey meters are employed for real-time radiation monitoring to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance.
A personal electronic dosimeter (Traceco PED-Blue) is available for real-time personal dose measurement.

Service fees

Fees vary by imaging service, user group and study requirements. TIME staff can help researchers determine the appropriate services and estimate project costs during study planning.

Lab supplies and common consumables, including gloves, saline, absorbent pads, plastic bags, isoflurane, syringes, catheters, tubing and selected scanner accessories, are provided at no additional charge.

Ready to plan your study?

Connect with the or guidance on imaging options, experimental design, pricing and facility requirements.

Contact us: time@queensu.ca

VECTor⁷CT/OI Service Cost (CAD$)
Services	Queen’s Academic Members	Queen’s DOM Members (-10%)	Queen’s Young Investigators (-15%)	External Users (+20%)	Minimum Usage
Consulting + Experimental Design with a pilot experiment	$200 + $300	$180 + $270	$170 + $255	$240 + $360	—
CT Scan per hour	$250 / h	$225 / h	$210 / h	$300 / h	1/2 h
PET/SPECT Scan — Live Mouse per animal	$160	$145	$135	$200	—
PET/SPECT Scan — Live Rat per animal	$210	$190	$180	$255	—
PET/SPECT Scan — Tissues per sample	$110	$100	$95	$175	—
Optical Scan (BLT/FLT)	$150 / h	$135 / h	$125 / h	$180 / h	1/2 h
Data Reconstruction & Analysis by Staff	$75 / h	$70 / h	$65 / h	$90 / h	1/2 h
Data Analysis Two-hour Training	$200	$180	$170	$220	2 h
Supervised Data Analysis	$50 / h	$45 / h	$40 / h	$70 / h	1/2 h
12-month Data Storage	Free	Free	Free	Free	—