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UCL Division of Medicine

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X-Ray Computed Tomography

X-ray computerized tomography (X-ray CT) is widely available and is the most frequently used imaging technique in the clinic. At CABI, we have developed CT subsystems with novel applications.

How to get access

Location

Paul O'Gorman Building, Bloomsbury

Available to

Academic and industry collaborators

Prices

TBC

Contact

Matthew Grist (m.grist@ucl.ac.uk)

Bookings

Working with CABI

The UCL Cancer Institute in Bloomsbury

What are CT images used for?

CT images are generated by combining series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken from multiple projections around a single axis using tomographic reconstruction.

CT imaging can provide more informative cross-sectional images and high-resolution three-dimensional representation of an object.

Therefore, CT is routinely combined with other tomographic nuclear techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to provide 3D anatomical localisation.

At the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (CABI), we have developed our CT subsystems as stand-alone systems with novel applications.

CT imaging is a widely used imaging technique to study lung and pulmonary diseases due to natural contrast between air filled lungs and soft tissue.

The ability of creating contrast in CT is based on the fact that different tissues provide different degree of X-ray attenuation. For example, bone can provide positive contrast in CT image due to its high X-ray attenuation.

Therefore, CT imaging is very useful to study bone morphology and density. Other ways of creating contrast in CT is via contrast agents. 

At CABI, we have been investigating gold nanoparticles as a CT contrast agent. Recent works show that gold can provide high resolution images of the vasculature and vascular remodelling present in disease. We are now applying this to other applications such as cell tracking.

Full body X-ray CT scan of mouse with gold nanoparticles providing vasculature contrast.

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