The primary missions of the microCT/histology Core are to provide state-of-the-art three-dimensional ex vivo imaging using microCT, a non-destructive x-ray based imaging modality and to provide histology services. The specimens for microCT must have inherent radio opacity (e.g., bone) or can be rendered radio-opaque (e.g., by the use of contrast agents).
Resources (Instrumentation and Software)
- Desktop cone-beam microCT scanner Scanco model 40
- Microfocus x-ray source (5-7 μm spot size) which can operate between 55 and 90 kVp
- Detector with 2048 by 256 elements
- Nominal best resolution of 6 μm with a real resolution of 9 μm
- Nominal best resolution of 6 μm with a real resolution of 9 μm
- Reconstructed image matrix of either 1024 X 1024 or 2048 X 2048
- Field of view up to 37 mm and maximum scan length of 70 mm
- Desktop cone-beam microCT scanner Scanco model 50
- Microfocus x-ray source (5-30 μm spot size) which can operate between 45 and 90 kVp
- Detector with 3400 by 1200 elements
- Nominal best resolution of 0.5 μm with a real resolution of 2 μm
- Reconstructed image matrix of up to 8192 X 8192
- Field of view up to 48 mm and maximum scan length of 120 mm
- Open VMS operating system, with complete imaging software for data acquisition, online/offline reconstruction, 3D visualization and animation, as well as 2D and 3D trabecular bone histomorphometry
- Database for tracking specimen processing and archiving and the histomorphometric data can be readily downloaded to spreadsheets or statistical packages
- Faxitron x-ray cabinet (Model MX-20)
- Saws (Buehler Isomet 5000, Exakt 310CP band saw, Shopmaster band saw), grinder/polisher (Buehler Phoenix 5000), microtome (Leica), embedding equipment for hard and soft tissue histology
