Frequently Asked Questions

The more typically scanning times can be around 8 to 20 minutes per animal. With the current MRI user fee this is between $40 and $100. The scanning time and therefore price per animal depends on the experiment conditions and needs.

Scanning time and estimated cost is estimated during protocol development phase. Please visit the Fees and Billing tab for more information.

Scanning of a brain lesion (scanning of about half the mouse brain) takes about 8-10 minutes ($40-$50 per animal). Scanning of a whole brain is about 15 mins long ($75 per animal). 

More complicated procedures may take up to 2 hours per mouse ($600 per animal).

Yes, the IVIS can do fluorescence as well as bioluminescence. Fluorescence is more challenging, however. It is recommended to choose fluorescent dyes closer to the red spectrum to limit light absorbance and autofluorescence signal.

Yes, training is provided for the equipment (except MRI).

Get a protocol amendment if live animals are involved (SOP EXP-4) and contact the PCIC team. Please do not make an MRI reservation unless you have confirmed the date with the PCIC manager.

Usually only around 10-20 MB per animal, depending on the protocol.

The PCIC core provides this to researchers free of charge.

Bring a USB key to the MRI after the study. We can also share the files via OneDrive.

Typically 15 minutes.Although some studies can take much longer.

Unfortunately, for now there is no CT scanner in the Preclinical Imaging Core. There is one at the Heart Institute. Also, one lab group in RGN has a benchtop CT for ex-vivo samples.