# Acquisition of preclinical PET/CT scanner for BSL3 imaging research

> **NIH NIH S10** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $571,251

## Abstract

Summary
Molecular imaging with small animal Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography
(micro-PET/CT) is an established component of preclinical research and drug development
which provides in-vivo quantitative molecular imaging in a real-time for disease diagnosis and
therapy evaluation, and plays an increasingly crucial role in preclinical precision medicine
research. In this proposal, we are requesting funds to acquire a benchtop micro-PET/CT
imaging system as a shared research tool to support NIH-funded research of infection diseases.
The funds obtained through this grant will be used to acquire a PET/CT scanner for small
animal molecular imaging research to be sited within a Biological Safety Level-3 Facility (BSL3).
Research in infectious diseases at WUSM stretches across numerous departments with
programs addressing every family of pathogen, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Molecular imaging (i.e., positron emission tomography, PET) complemented with computed
tomography holds great promise for the early, accurate detection of infection and infectious
disease, and monitoring of treatment efficacies. The presence of an infectious organism in
tissue initiates a complex series of inflammatory responses. We have identified a portable
benchtop micro-PET/CT system with advanced preclinical molecular imaging that simplifies
workflow, improves siting flexibility, and reduces operational cost. This system will complement
our existing real-time and noninvasive molecular imaging equipment that includes small animal
MRI and IVIS Spectrum optical imaging. Our long-term goal is to establish a BSL3 Imaging
Facility at Washington University to serve the needs of researchers, including other institutions,
and more broadly within the community. The requested benchtop micro-PET/CT will be used by
NIH funded investigators and will be overseen by a broad-based advisory committee. Strong
institutional support and financial commitment will be provided to assure optimal use.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10177588
- **Project number:** 1S10OD030307-01
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** RICHARD Andre LAFOREST
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $571,251
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-15 → 2024-01-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10177588

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10177588, Acquisition of preclinical PET/CT scanner for BSL3 imaging research (1S10OD030307-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10177588. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*