MILabs’ U-SPECT⁷/CT: Ultra-High Resolution Imaging for Advanced Preclinical Research

U-SPECT⁷CT from MILabs (a Rigaku company) offers unmatched preclinical dynamic and whole-body Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) performance, integrated with diagnostic micro-CT.

With best-in-class spatial resolution of 0.25 mm for in vivo imaging, 0.12 mm for ex vivo specimens, and high temporal resolutions of < 1 second for focused imaging as well as < 8 seconds for whole-body mouse imaging, U-SPECT⁷CT is ideal for preclinical research projects, high-energy alpha & beta theranostics imaging, and dosimetry.

With the ability to upgrade to include other imaging modalities and to be used as PET/SPECT/CT and even PET/SPECT/OI/CT, U-SPECT⁷CT can grow alongside users' needs.

Image Credit: MiLabs - Molecular Imaging Solutions

Key features

SPECT module

• Ultra-high SPECT resolution -  0.25 mm in vivo, 0.12 mm ex vivo
• High sensitivity - up to 90,000 cps/MBq (when upgraded)
• High-speed imaging – suits cardiac-, respiratory-, or dual-gated imaging
• Beds/cells for mice, rats, rabbits & cryogenic-cooled specimens
• Sub-mm high-energy targeted radiotherapy applications
• Stationary detectors for reliable, calibration-free operation
• Upgradeable to PET/SPECT/CT and PET/SPECT/Optical/CT configurations

CT module

• Ultra-low dose, high resolution, fast X-ray CT, with performance equivalent to standalone micro-CT
• Unique attenuation correction and localization functions to improve SPECT performance
• Cardiac- and respiratory-gated CT

The system features stationary detectors surrounding the animal. Single-photon projections are collimated and magnified on three large NaI(Tl) detectors, resulting in class-leading spatial resolutions.

Stationary detectors offer unparalleled precision due to their lack of moving parts. This design not only eliminates wear-and-tear concerns but also ensures unmatched reliability and stability. Furthermore, it minimizes maintenance needs and extends the system's lifespan. With no need to wait for detectors to rotate, U-SPECT⁷CT also offers high temporal resolutions.

The U-SPECT⁷'s multimodal approach, which combines structural/anatomical imaging through its high-speed U-CT scanner, is gaining widespread acceptance in preclinical studies. The integration of SPECT/CT offers enhanced and more precise diagnostic insights compared to either in isolation.

Another benefit of this configuration is that it enhances reconstruction and improves quantification utilizing the combined information from these two imaging modalities. The system's modular nature means that users can upgrade a U-SPECT⁷ to U-SPECT⁷CT with CT capabilities later to suit their technical or financial requirements.

Applications

• Theranostics - U-SPECT can image at sub-mm resolutions photon energies up to 1 MeV. This makes direct imaging and quantitation of targeted theranostics (radiotherapies) possible for a wide range of high-energy therapeutic isotopes, including ¹³¹I, and alpha particle emitters such as ²¹²Pb, ²²⁵Ac, ²¹³Bi, ²²¹Fr, ²⁰⁹At/²¹¹At, ²²³Ra and many others.
• Quantitative 3D Auto-radiography - By scanning cryo-cooled tissue samples, such as complete organs, with a dedicated super-resolution SPECT collimator, researchers can obtain 3D auto-radiography distributions at 0.12 mm resolution.
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Immunology
• Cardiology
• Infectiology - including COVID-19-related studies