FAQ

I am interested in imaging, but do not know where to start.

Start by contacting Darshini Vijayakumar, BS, TBIC Imaging Specialist, (dvijay26@uw.edu or 206-543-3653) for initial consultation. If you know what imaging modality that you would like to use, she will facilitate a meeting with the director of that imaging resource. If you do not know what imaging modality you would like to use, she will setup a meeting with TBIC personnel to provide guidance on the best resource for your needs.

Can I do my own imaging?

At FHCRC, the optical, ultrasound, echo MRI and multiphoton intravital microsope can be user operated after appropriate training has been completed. The MRSolutions 7T/3T MRI is operated with the assistance of an imaging specialist.

Can I practice on a live animal?

In general, training is conducted on phantoms, but it is possible to use live animals for training with IACUC approval.

What if my animals are housed at UW, but my collaborators and the imaging equipment are at FHCRC (or vice versa)?

Inter-institutional imaging studies can be easily arranged. Contact Darshini Vijayakumar, BS, TBIC Imaging Specialist, (dvijay26@uw.edu or 206-543-3653) for assistance with UW questions. Contact Elena Carlson, MS, (ecarlson@fredhutch.org or 206.667.4021) for assistance with FHCRC questions.

Does my imaging procedure need to be approved?

All protocols involving animals including: what you want to accomplish, what species you will work with, what procedures you would like to perform, who will perform the procedures, and the locations where you will perform the procedures much be approved by the IACUCs of the institutions involved. For assistance, contact Darshini Vijayakumar, BS, TBIC Imaging Specialist, (dvijay26@uw.edu or 206-543-3653).

If my study includes inter-institutional imaging, do I need to submit two IACUC applications?

No. UW and FHCRC IACUCs engage in cooperative review of each other’s protocols. You need only submit the protocol application to your home institution’s IACUC.

What if my animals are housed at UW, but my collaborators and the imaging equipment are at FHCRC (or vice versa)?

I have an idea for a pilot study; is funding available?

TBIC staff will assist investigators with Cancer Consortium pilot proposals that use imaging equipment. Contact the head of the specific resource for details in regards to collection of pilot data.

What does imaging cost?

UW and FHCRC each maintain tiered rate structures, with separate rates for internal and external users. Hourly rates for the various imaging devices and services are detailed below:

Imaging Modality	Internal Cost per hour	Cancer Consortium Member cost per hour	Location
Vevo 2100 and Vevo F2 Ultrasound	$35	$49	Fred Hutch SR
IVIS	$70	$96.60	Fred Hutch SR
Inveon PET/CT PET tracers	$265 Actual cost + $35	$791 Actual cost + $35 + 15.6%	UW ARCF B141B
MR Solutions 7T/3T cryogen free MRI	$55	$111	Fred Hutch SR
14T MRI/S	$170	$200	UW SLU North N-101
Emit Imaging Xerra micro Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography System	TBD	TBD	UW ARCF B141C
Multiphoton intravital microscope	$55	$76	Fred Hutch SR
PerkinElmer Quantum GX2 microCT	$80	$111	Fred Hutch SR
Echo MRI	$28	$38	Fred Hutch SR
Xstral Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) plus small animal Proton Beam system	TBD	TBD	UW