Services
As part of the Structural and Compositional Assessment Core in the Michigan Integrative Musculoskeletal Health Core Center (MiMHC), the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories nano-Computed Tomography facilities provide full 3-D reconstructed images of hard and soft biological tissues, as well as non-biological materials in conjunction with the MicroCT Core in the Dental School. The Orthopaedic Research Laboratories have the ex vivo GE phoenix nanotom m nanoCT scanner.
Imaging
ex vivo Scanning
nanotom m
The phoenix | nanotom m is an ex vivo nanofocus computed tomography system capable of achieving resolutions to 300nm (0.3um), depending on specimen size. It has a new open 180 kV / 15 W high-power nanofocus X-ray tube with down to 200 nm detail detectability, optimized for long-term stability. Unique temperature stabilized digital GE DXR detector (3,072 x 2,400 pixels) for a high dynamic range > 10,000 : 1 and up to 4 times faster data acquisition at the same high image quality level. The maximum specimen size is 250 mm in height and 250 mm in diameter. Two targets are available, and a wide selection of filters.
Analysis
Standard morphological analyses of cortical and trabecular bone are available. These include measurements such as total volume, bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, number of trabeculae, structural model index, cortical thickness, cortical inner and outer perimeter, marrow area, and many others. Standards are used to calibrate the CT reconstruction attenuation values to density (Hounsfield Units), thus allowing for bone mineral density measurements as well.
Through the MiMHC P30 core, we are offering training sessions on using Dragonfly3D to analyze your nanoCT images. Please visit the MiMHC Education page to sign up for one of the training sessions.
Services offered and Prices
The ex vivo system is available at the same cost of $58.00/hour for acquisition and $58.00/hour for analysis. For MiMHC P30 members, 20% of the cost is covered by the core center for the ex vivo systems. The total cost/sample for scanning and acquisition will depend on the protocol and expected outcome of the image volume. We have many protocols at the ready to achieve outstanding images and have adjusted the scan times while maximizing image quality to keep our costs reasonable. Please contact us for a quote.