Preclinical imaging technologies are powerful because they can propel science forward with fewer animals (consistent with the 3Rs), preserve tissues for additional assays, and empower translational studies. However, integrating imaging technologies into larger organizations is complex, requires deep knowledge of multiple fields, and a multidisciplinary team. Through this two-part series of webinars, we aim to educate on the strategic advantages that imaging technologies can bring to a scientific organization: how to select equipment, design facilities, and which key stakeholders to engage to make a successful imaging enterprise: and highlight the animal science required to conduct successful experiments.
In the second webinar of the two-part series,Equipment, Facilities, and Workflows, we will explore how to design and operate a successful imaging program. We will consider the factors of throughput, animal species, fields of study, and the network of key stakeholders that are involved in making a functional operation. Key stake holders include biologists, operations staff, information technologies, facilities, regulatory bodies (IACUC, radiation safety, and EH&S), laboratory animal professionals, and clinical translational teams. First, we will characterize the workflow requirements by study design, model induction, image acquisition, and data handling. These requirements dictate the facility design and operation plans involving animal transport, personnel access, foot traffic, biosecurity and security, power and shielding, HVAC and waste gas management. We will then discuss how to assemble a team with the expertise needed for a successful program. Finally, we will focus on the computing resources required to support data structures and data storage in a bioimaging facility.
The webinars are presented by John M. David, DVM, DACLAM, PhD. John David acquired his DVM at Western University of Health Science in 2009. After graduation, he went on to complete a joint American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) residency and PhD in Molecular Pharmacology specializing in pre-clinical imaging at UCLA. John's PhD focused on murine metabolism and improving the housing conditions of laboratory animals. Currently, John is a Senior Principal Scientist at Pfizer and works primarily in Oncology drug development. At Pfizer Inc., John evaluates novel animal models of human disease and non-invasive imaging technologies, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (FMT), optical, and thermography.
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Bioimaging II: Equipment, Facilities, and Workflows
Part 1 of this two-part series will be available as a recording soon. Imaging Scientific Strategy, explores how to build and use an imaging program to support the research of your organization. This webinar discusses and compares the common types of imaging modalities - CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET/SPECT - focusing on their strategic use, advantages, and disadvantages. The discussion also includes selecting equipment for complementary capabilities amid factors of species, research scope, flexibility, staffing, and throughput requirements.
