PET scanning of animal models: PET imaging is used for in vivo longitudinal studies of potential therapies in animal models of human disease. Moreover, small animal PET permits studies of fundamental biological processes that are not possible with other imaging modalities. With the advent of high resolution dedicated small animal scanners, the field has grown rapidly in recent years. 
Waisman Center BIC microPET facilities have been used for more than 2,000 rhesus scans and 100 rodent scans for over 20 PIs using more than 30 radiotracers. Two scanners with excellent spatial resolution of less than 2 mm full width at half maximum are available: a Siemens microPET P4 located at the Waisman Center is used for rodent neuroimaging and a Focus 220 located at the Harlow Primate Laboratory is used for rhesus macaque and marmoset neuroimaging research. Both scanners are equipped with isoflurane anesthesia systems, head holders, vitals monitoring, and warm air blowers. Up to four rats can be scanned simultaneously to reduce radiotracer costs, and anesthesia can be adjusted separately for each animal.
Performance specifications for the Focus 220, acquired with an NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant (1S10RR029358-01A1) and additional funds from the School of Medicine and Public Health and the Graduate School, are as follows: crystal energy resolution = 16.2 +/- 1.7%, sensitivity at 250-750 keV and 10 ns = 12%, image resolution = 1.37 mm FWHM, system linearity is within +/- 3% from 1 kHz to 90 kHz, attenuation and scatter corrections are accurate to 1% and spatial uniformity = 3.8% (0.23 mL ROIs in 10 cm phantom).