Sherbrooke Molecular Imaging Centre (CIMS) of the Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUS)

Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec
What the facility does

Preclinical imaging platform (PET, CT, MRI, optical), radiochemistry and development of new imaging technologies

Areas of expertise

The centre provides researchers and the industry with a unique range of preclinical and clinical imaging technologies. It has recognized expertise in positron emission tomography (PET), X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging. With two cyclotrons and its radiochemistry service, the centre offers a wide range of radiotracers (C-11, N-13, F-18, Cu-64, Tc-99m) and radiopharmaceuticals (FDG, FTHA, acetate, acetoacetate, carvedilol, PIB). The centre’s laboratories are also actively involved in developing new preclinical imagers and new pharmaceutical agents for preclinical and clinical imaging (radiotracers, contrast mediums and optical probes). The centre has all of the infrastructure required for in vitro and in vivo validation (in animals and in clinical environments). Its clinical work serves a large population, and it is actively involved in research on oncology, cardiology, metabolism and neurology.

Research services

Our research expertise focuses on both animals and humans:

  • Radiochemistry service that offers biomolecule labelling with different radiotracers. Measurement of the in vitro and in vivo stability of radiopharmaceuticals including biodistribution studies.
  • Preclinical and clinical imaging (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI and optical imaging).
  • Monitoring of cardiac function and metabolism by PET/CT/MRI. Cerebral imaging. Therapeutic monitoring in murine and xenograft cancer models. Imaging assessments of new drugs.
  • Pharmacokinetics analysis and image processing service using an image analysis and visualization platform.
  • Animal facilities for housing small- and medium-sized animals on location.
  • Instrumentation and engineering component that works on developing new scanners and medical devices.
Sectors of application
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment

Specialized lab

Equipment

Function

Preclinical imaging

Triumph™ 8 cm PET/SPECT/CT

Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals

 

LabPET™ 4 cm PET

Functional imaging of small animals

 

LabPET™ II PET/SPECT

Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals

 

Optima™ SPECT

Functional imaging of big and small animals

 

Varian™ 7 t MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of small animals

 

QOS™ optical imager

Functional and anatomical imaging of small animals

 

Hidex Automatic Gamma Counter

Biodistribution analysis

Preclinical services

Animal facilities with ventilated carriers (Level II certified)

Housing on site

 

SAITA 3

Digital animal files

Clinical imaging

Philips™ Gemini GXL

Functional and anatomical imaging of humans

 

Philips™ Gemini TF

Functional and anatomical imaging of humans

 

Philips™ Ingenia 3 t MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of humans

 

Siemens™ 1.5 t MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging of humans

Cyclotrons

EBCO/ACSI TR-19

Production of radioisotopes

 

ACSI TR-24

Production of radioisotopes

Radiochemistry

3 clean rooms

Health Canada certifications

 

Radiosynthesis units

 

 

Hot cells

 

 

Quality control laboratory

 

 

Analytical equipment (HPLC, UPLC, MS)

 

 

Organic chemistry laboratory

 

Instrumentation

Computer cluster

Image reconstruction and processing

 

PET/SPECT scanner simulators

Scanner development

 

Instrumentation laboratory

Design of detectors, scanners and medical devices

 

Mechanical workshop

 

  • Charles River Laboratories Inc.
  • iPST
  • Medtronic
  • AngioTox (EU-FP7)
  • GREPAQ
  • Université de Montréal
  • Montreal Heart Institute
  • Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec

Title

URL

Research... fundamental for health | Au coeur de la vie 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR-t386dH8k

Spotlight on Sherbrooke (3:00 to 4:23 min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsZj_WzYkVM

Manning Innovation Awards 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7VmzrRGRc8