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Abstract

Grant Number:	5R44RR015992-03
PI Name:	NAGARKAR, VIVEK V.
PI Email:	vnagarkar@rmdinc.com
PI Title:
Project Title:	High Performance Detector for Small Animal PET

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an in vivo analog of autoradiography, which makes it a potentially powerful new tool for imaging biological processes and molecular targets in small laboratory animals. Its fundamental advantage is that functional data can be obtained non-invasively, allowing each animal to be studied repeatedly. Thus, each animal can serve as its own control in studies with a longitudinal design. There is significant interest in small animal PET within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry because in vivo quantification of biological processes to measure an agent'smechanism of action and its concentration at the site of action are of great importance in drug development. While the advantages of small animal imaging with PET are obvious, the challenges are also very significant. The main barriers to using PET in studies of laboratory animals have traditionally been poor spatial resolution, low sensitivity, and high cost. To address these deficiencies, we propose to develop a detector that can achieve extremely fine spatial resolution and high sensitivity in a cost-effective manner. The detector will be based on finely pixelated monolithic block of scintillator coupled to a position sensitive detector. Phase II efforts will focus on the development of a proof-of-concept benchtop small-animal PET system, consisting of a small number of complete detector modules.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, image enhancement, miniature biomedical equipment, monitoring device, positron emission tomography
autoradiography, computer simulation, cost effectiveness, mathematical model, nuclear medicine, photomultiplier, rare earth element
bioimaging /biomedical imaging

Institution:	RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.
	44 HUNT ST
	WATERTOWN, MA 02472
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	15-MAR-2001
Project End:	14-JUL-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESEARCH RESOURCES
IRG:	ZRG1

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