Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Continuous Blood Sampling in Small Animal Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Enables the Measurement of the Arterial Input Function
Published on: August 8, 2019
Simplified [18F]FDG image-derived input function using the left ventricle, liver, and one venous blood sample.
Mohammed Noor Tantawy1, Todd E Peterson
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
This study introduces a simple, noninvasive method using microPET imaging to determine arterial blood input functions for rodent [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET scans. The hybrid image-derived input function (IDIF) provides reliable kinetic parameter estimates comparable to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiochemistry
- Preclinical imaging
Background:
- Quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) studies require accurate arterial blood input functions.
- Traditional methods for obtaining input functions in rodents are invasive and labor-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a simple, noninvasive, imaging-based method for deriving arterial blood input functions in rodent [18F]FDG PET studies.
- To assess the reliability of a novel hybrid image-derived input function (IDIF) for quantitative analysis.
Main Methods:
- A hybrid image-derived input function (IDIF) was constructed using microPET images and a single late venous blood sample.
- Left ventricle and liver time-activity curves (TACs) were derived from 3D regions of interest.
- The hybrid IDIF combined corrected left ventricle TAC with normalized liver TAC.
Main Results:
- The hybrid IDIF was successfully constructed by correcting for spillout and normalizing the liver TAC.
- Estimates of the [18F]FDG influx constant (K(i)) using the hybrid IDIF were not significantly different from those obtained with measured arterial blood TACs.
- The method requires only one venous blood sample at the end of the scan.
Conclusions:
- The normalized hybrid IDIF is a reliable and practical alternative to invasive arterial blood sampling for quantitative rodent [18F]FDG PET studies.
- This noninvasive method simplifies the process of obtaining essential input functions for kinetic modeling.
- The findings support the use of this technique for accurate K(i) estimations in preclinical research.
