Micro Computed Tomography Center

The IU School of Medicine Micro Computed Tomography Center, located on the school’s Indianapolis campus, houses two Skyscan systems with the versatility to scan skeletal and non-soft biological tissues at high resolution. Scan reconstruction and analysis software can be used on the scanning systems or they can be installed on individual laboratory workstations. Self-service or full-service scanning is available.

Equipment

Skyscan 1172, 100KV, with 10Megapixel camera system has variable magnification (pixel size between 0.9-35 µm) and can hold ex vivo samples with a maximum diameter of 68 mm. It also has fixed magnification (pixel size of 9, 18, or 36 µm) and can be used for both in vivo animals, typically rodents (can hold rabbits) and ex vivo samples.

Schedule Time on Equipment

Researchers interested in scheduling time on the center’s equipment must request access to the calendar.

Request Calendar Access

Maximum Object Size

Objects to be scanned must not exceed 35mm (or 68mm in the offset mode).
Resolution

1µm nominal / 5µm real resolution, low contrast
Variable Magnification

pixel size between 0.9-35µm
Scan Time

System adjusts the source to camera distance to minimize scan time for each selected magnification (10-240 minutes, depending on resolution and pixels used)
X-ray Source

Sealed micro-focus X-ray tube, air-cooled, <5Âµm spot size @4W, 20-100kV, 0-250µA>
X-ray Detector

2000×4300 12-bit digital cooled CCD with 50mm field of view, reconstructed images- 1x1k, 2x2k, 4x4k, and up to 8x8k
Host Computer

Dell Workstation with Dual Pentium processors, 4GB RAM
Reconstruction Cluster

Networked cluster of computers including network software for reconstruction. Includes 4 dual-processor computers (Dual 3.4 Ghz Xeon Processors with 2GB of RAM)
Reconstruction Algorithms

Convolution with back-projection for cone-beam (Feldkamp)

Pricing

Scanning rates are discounted members of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health; the systems can be used by non-members as well. The 11 member labs on the grant associated with this research facility have access to one half day per week at no charge. Additional time is available at no charge for these labs if the schedule allows.

Instrument	Academic Users	Commercial Users
Skyscan 1172	$50/hour	$200/hour

Scheduling

Users are added to the Skyscan calendar by either James Williams, PhD, or Molly Jackson. The log in account is not connected with the IU network. The full name of the user should be used as the title of the session. The text box can be used to describe the study, announce an overnight scan, or to suggest to others that the time can be rescheduled if needed. Each user is able to edit only their own sessions. The calendar allows for users to sign up for the same scanning time. Users are responsible for not double-booking time on the scanner. Double booking is only allowed when the two users are signed up to use different computers or when one is signed up with the knowledge that if they finish early or do not need the time, it belongs to the other person signed up. Explanation of these intentions need to be addressed in the text box when scheduling the event.

Priority is decided by the advisory committee and is based on need and ability to pay, with preference given to the 11 labs on the grant and those with NIH-funded grants. Users are expected to be flexible with scheduling in order for everyone to get a fair chance for scanning. Users should be aware that, at times, scheduling will change due to scanning priority.

If unable to scan during prescheduled time, the session must be canceled the day before that session is to occur. After one warning, failure to do so will result in being charged for the missed time ($50/hour academic, $200/hour commercial).