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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
Considerations for laboratory animal imaging center design and setup.
Brenda A Klaunberg1, Judith A Davis
1Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive B1D-69, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. klaunbeb@mail.nih.gov
ILAR Journal
|January 4, 2008
Summary
Establishing a shared in vivo animal imaging center is recommended to reduce animal use and foster collaboration. Planning for architectural design, equipment, and specialized staff is crucial for efficient functionality, with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Laboratory animal science
- Medical imaging technology
Background:
- In vivo animal imaging offers noninvasive study of disease pathophysiology and therapy response.
- Serial imaging in animal models significantly reduces the number of animals required for research.
- High capital investment for advanced imaging equipment necessitates resource optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance on establishing and designing an in vivo animal imaging center.
- To emphasize the benefits of a shared resource model for scientific collaboration and equipment access.
- To highlight key planning considerations, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility design.
Main Methods:
- Review of experiences from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Mouse Imaging Facility.
- Discussion of critical factors influencing architectural design, efficiency, and functionality.
- Focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a foundational element due to its cost and unique requirements.
Main Results:
- Shared imaging centers facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations and broader access to advanced imaging modalities.
- Careful planning regarding animal types, study designs, equipment, and location is essential.
- Successful facility design integrates animal housing, pre-imaging preparation, state-of-the-art imaging devices, and support systems.
Conclusions:
- Shared in vivo animal imaging centers are vital for advancing biomedical research through collaboration and resource efficiency.
- Comprehensive planning, including specialized staff and adherence to safety protocols, is critical for optimal facility operation.
- Designing facilities around core technologies like MRI ensures robust capabilities while managing costs and safety.
