In-Vivo Micro-CT Description

The SkyScan 1276 Micro-CT is a high performance, stand-alone, fast, desk-top in vivo micro-CT with continuously variable magnification for scanning small laboratory animals (mice, rats, …) and biological samples. It has an unrivaled combination of high resolution and large image size; it has the option for round and spiral (helical) scanning and reconstruction, and low dose imaging. The image field of view (up to 80 mm wide and more than 300 mm long) captures the full body  of mice and rats. The variable magnification allows scanning of bone and tissue samples with high spatial resolution down to 2.8 µm pixel size. Variable X-Ray energy combined with a range of filters ensures optimal image quality for diverse research applications from lung tissue to bone with metal implants. Additionally, the SkyScan 1276 in-vivo micro-CT administers low radiation dose to the animals allowing for multiple scans in longitudinal preclinical studies without the risk of unwanted radiation – induced side effects. The system can perform scanning with continuous gantry rotation and in step-and-shoot mode with a fast scanning cycle of 3.9 sec.

The SkyScan 1276 allows for the non invasive reconstructing of any cross section(s) through the animal body with possibilities to convert the reconstructed dataset into realistic 3D-image and calculate internal morphological parameters including specific bone structural parameters.

Interchangeable Mouse and Rat Cassettes

The SkyScan 1276 system is supplied with exchangeable animal cassettes that can be used in all Bruker in-vivo imaging instruments such as MRI, micro-PET, micro-SPECT, bio-luminescence, biofluorescence, etc. to collect multimodal information. It allows co-registration of functional and morphological information from the same animal.

Touchscreen Control

The user interface of the SkyScan 1276 in-vivo micro-CT system is simple and intuitive. The instrument can be controlled from the computer screen and also from the embedded force-sensitive touchscreen, which can be operated by gloved hands. The touchscreen allows selection of scanning protocol, adjusting the animal bed position and control of imaging and scanning. Where multiple scans are started from the touchscreen, the software will automatically save acquired data to separate subfolders with incrementally assigned folder names and dataset file prefixes.

For high resolution Ex Vivo scanning be sure to check the SkyScan 1272.

The full range of SkyScan software is supplied, including fast volumetric reconstruction, software for 2D / 3D quantitative analysis and for realistic 3D visualization. The software for 4D time-resolved microtomography is also supplied as standard. The scanner can work in “push button” mode with scanning start/stop and protocol setting from the integrated touch screen. The touch screen has a force sensitive surface allowing normal response while wearing gloves. The main control rack-mounted workstation is integrated below the scanner. The scanner can be optionally supplied with an integrated cluster of four powerful workstations placed in the lower part of the scanner’s body.