MR Solutions to Launch Two World Firsts in Pre Clinical Scanning at the World Molecular Imaging Conference in Savannah This Week - a Combined 3T, Cryogen Free MRI/PET and a 3T MRI/SPECT

LONDON, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UK based MR Solutions continues to lead the technology revolution in pre clinical scanning with the launch of the first combined cryogen free, 3T, MR/PET and the first 3T, MR/SPECT scanners at the World Molecular Imaging Conference (WMIC) in Savannah this week (Sept 18-21st).

Dr David Taylor, CEO of MR Solutions, commented, "The combination of high-resolution PET, or SPECT with high-performance cryogen free MRI will provide significant benefits both for academia and pharma. These systems offer researchers for the first time simultaneous multi modality imaging hitherto not commercially available. It is yet another development in our plan to provide the best quality images and functional data in a way that makes it quicker and easier for scientists to work with animals."

To provide the SPECT images MR has devised a system where the three gamma camera heads and focusing collimator can be easily clipped on to the front of the bore of the MRI scanner to provide state of the art 3D SPECT images. The SPECT images can be registered with the MRI images providing anatomical-functional combined capability. The SPECT gamma camera can also be used independently.

The PET capability is provided by new solid state detectors and ASIC technology which is incorporated in the bore of the MRI scanner. The scanner combines the exquisite structural and functional characterization of tissue provided by MRI with the extreme sensitivity of PET imaging for metabolism and tracking of uniquely labeled cell types or cell receptors. This is particularly useful in oncology, cardiology, and neurology research.

MR Solutions' range of cryogen free, Benchtop, 3T MRI scanners (16, 31 and 72 cm bores) which was only launched at the beginning of the year has been a complete game changer in the field of pre clinical scanning. The new technology not only provides superior soft tissue contrast and high spatial resolution, a vastly reduced stray magnetic field and all the benefits that brings but also allows the magnetic field strength to be easily varied.