INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC)
IACUC / LARC STANDARD PROCEDURES
SPECT/CT or PET/CT IMAGING IN MICE AND RATS
Description of procedure:
1. SPECT or PET Only
Radionuclide tracers for SPECT or PET imaging will be injected via IP (intraperitoneal) or IV
(intravenous) routes. After injection, depending on the specific imaging agent being used, there
may be a delay prior to imaging, during which the animal may be allowed to recover from
anesthesia. Anesthesia is not required for IV or IP injections.
Mice or rats will be imaged under general anesthesia. The animal will be positioned within the
scanner and will be visually monitored throughout the scan. The SPECT or PET imaging is
performed via the detection of radiation emitted from the tracers that have been injected into
the animal.
Following the scan, the animal will be allowed to recover from anesthesia and returned to
housing for repeated imaging studies at a later time as required. Each session will last
approximately 30-60 minutes.
2. CT Only
CT contrast media may be injected via IP (intraperitoneal) or IV (intravenous) routes, or
administered orally prior to or during imaging if necessary. After injection, depending on the
specific contrast agent being used, there may be a delay prior to imaging, during which the
animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia. Anesthesia is not required for IV or IP
injections or for oral dosing. Mice or rats will be imaged under general anesthesia. The animal
will be positioned within the scanner, and will be visually monitored through the scan. During
CT scans, the animal will be imaged using x-rays.
Following the scan, the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia andreturned to
housing for repeated imaging studies if needed.
3. Combined SPECT and CT, or PET and CT
Mice and rats will be imaged under general anesthesia. The animal will receive radionuclide
tracers and/or CT contrast media via IP (intraperitoneal), IV (intravenous), or oral routes. After
administration, depending on the imaging agent being used, there may be a delay prior to or
during imaging, during which the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia.
The animal will be anesthetized prior to the imaging process and then maintained under
general anesthesia during the imaging study. The animal will be positioned within the scanner,
and will be visually monitored through the scan. The SPECT or PET imaging is performed via
the detection of radiation emitted from the tracers that have been injected into the animal.
During CT scans, the animal will be imaged using x-rays.
Following the scan, the animal may be allowed to recover from anesthesia and housed in the
animal facility for repeated imaging studies if needed.
Regulated materials:
This procedure requires general anesthesia for imaging and inhalant anesthesia is
recommended. Isoflurane is commonly used and is not a controlled substance. Alternative
anesthetics that are controlled substances (e.g., ketamine, pentobarbital) require a Controlled
Substance Authorization (CSA). Radionuclide tracers are regulated materials and require a
Radiation Use Authorization (RUA). All agents should be listed in the “Agents” section of the
protocol in RIO.
Literature search words required:
Key Words
Search 1:small animal and SPECT AND CT Search 2: (mouse OR
rat) and dual modality and imaging
Search 1: (small animals AND SPECT AND CT); Search 2: (mouse
OR rat) and dual modality AND imaging
Search Site Years
Covered
Pubmed
1985-2009
Google
No Limit
Agents:


Isoflurane, potential injectables depending on protocol.
This procedure involves anesthesia, and injected contrast media.
All agents administered to animals should be listed in the “Agents” section of RIO.
Adverse effects, monitoring, and management :
Procedure, Agent
or Phenotype
Contrast Agents
Adverse Effects
Potential Adverse Effects Management
None anticipated, as
animals will be anesthetized
throughout procedure
Radiation dose from Nausea (Manifested as
tracers and CT
generalized ill appearance)
and/or diarrhea
Radiation dose from Susceptibility to infection
tracers and CT
None needed
We will image the animal acutely
and under anesthesia, and then
will euthanize the animal.
Alternatively, LARC veterinarians
may be consulted.
We will treat with antibiotics in
consult with veterinary staff at
LARC for recommendations
about management on a caseby-case basis.
Monitoring Parameters
Frequency
PI/Lab will Document
Monitoring
Parameters
General appearance Daily Monday - Friday
and behavior
Yes
Describe the conditions, complications, and criteria (e.g. uncontrolled
infection, loss of more than 15% body weight, etc.) that would lead to removal
of an animal from the study, and describe how this will be accomplished (e.g.
stopping treatment, euthanasia).
Animals will be removed from the study following criteria in the protocol from which
the animal was originally transferred. In addition, an affected animal will be
removed from the study if it exhibits signs such as labored respiration, decreased
appetite or activity, poor grooming, distress, uncontrolled infection, or uncontrolled
edema. Any such conditions, complications, and instances will be documented.
Animals removed from the study will be euthanized.
Updated: 12/2009