Ultra-High-Field MRI Scanner Brings Unprecedented Clarity to Preclinical Imaging

WashU Medicine Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) welcomed a new high-powered MRI scanner to campus, marking a leap in its modern preclinical imaging technology. The ultra-high-field small animal scanner, one of only a few in the world, boasts an increased magnetic field and high-powered gradient set that allows for exceptionally high image quality, faster imaging, and ultra-sensitive functional and metabolic preclinical measurements.

The new Bruker BioSpec 15.2-tesla (T) MRI scanner will be managed by MIR’s Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Facility, with the purchase supported in part by a $2 million NIH grant secured by James D. Quirk, PhD, director of the facility. The scanner replaces the previous 11.74T system and will consume only 12% as much liquid helium — thereby improving the sustainability of the preclinical imaging program.

Both the scanner purchase and crucial related services have strong university-wide investment, as this leading-edge technology will enable advanced imaging of small animal disease at MIR and across disciplines at WashU.