In vivo imaging in an ABSL-3 regional biocontainment laboratory

Pathog Dis. 2014 Jul;71(2):207-12. doi: 10.1111/2049-632X.12186. Epub 2014 Jun 18.

Abstract

The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at the University of Pittsburgh is a state-of-the-art ABSL-3 facility that supports research on highly pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Recent advances in radiologic imaging provide several noninvasive, in vivo imaging modalities that can be used to longitudinally monitor animals following experimental infection or vaccination. The University of Pittsburgh RBL provides digital radiography, bioluminescence imaging, and PET/CT. Operating these platforms in an ABSL-3 poses unique challenges. This review will discuss the development and refinement of these imaging platforms in high containment, emphasizing specific challenges and how they were overcome.

Keywords: ABSL-3; IVIS; PET/CT; X-ray; imaging; in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Bacterial Infections / pathology*
  • Containment of Biohazards*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Pennsylvania
  • Technology, Radiologic / methods
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Virus Diseases / pathology*