Ultrasounds (also called “sonography” or “ultrasonography”) is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes high-intensity sound waves to visualize soft tissue structures in real-time.

A transducer probe is placed on the area of interest with sufficient ultrasound gel to ensure proper transmission of the waves towards the tissue of interest. The ultrasounds probe converts electrical current into high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off different structures and are received back by the probe and converted into electrical signals again.

The image resolution will depend ultimately on the transducer probe utilized.

• Project approval by the director of the facility
• Safety training completed (BIOraft)
• Animal protocol approved (IACUC guidelines)
• MRI training by staff members of the facility successfully completed
• Reservation in FBS completed

Ultrasounds image acquisitions are real-time, therefore images and videos can be acquired very fast. The major limiting factor in total study acquisition time is generally the preparation of the animal for imaging.

We currently have three transducer probes, that are specific to the animal size and organ of interest. Please contact us for more information.

Yes, there is an adjacent room with available space for animal preparation as well as tissue collection procedures. Please discuss with the core director if you are planning on using these spaces for long periods of time (> 30 minutes) before or after the imaging experiments. These rooms MUST be included in the approved animal protocol before using them.

We currently have available a mouse platform, but normal sized rats can fit as well.

Ideally, the animal should be as still as possible, to prevent any undesired artifacts in the image acquisition and facilitate positioning of the probe.

We offer inhaled isoflurane administered in a mixture of oxygen, in both the  prep room and the imaging area.

Yes, users need to bring their own contrast agent, which MUST be included in the animal protocol. 

Generally yes, but please discuss with DLAM before initiating your animal experiments for confirmation.

Absolutely!! Users need to develop and amend their own IACUC protocol to include any imaging procedures in addition to room information. Descriptions of imaging methodologies and protocol templates are available upon request.

For imaging studies without invasive procedures, we recommend adding a paragraph similar to the following example for mice in the Experimental Design section:

“The scope of  this study will be limited to imaging of _____strain & animal____ without any invasive procedures.  Ultrasounds is a non-invasive technique and generally regarded safe to animals. Imaging will be performed on the following parts of the animal: ______heart/brain/limbs/internal organs…____. No invasive procedure will be performed before or during the imaging

Mouse will be anesthetized with 1-3% isoflurane. Electrode gel will be applied to the EKG pads on the stage. Once anesthetized, the mouse will be transferred to the heated stage. Eye lubricant will be added to the eyes. Rectal probe will be lubricated with Aquagel lubricating gel before insertion. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature will be monitored. Nair will be applied with a cotton-tipped swab to remove hair from the head, chest, abdomen, and back. Nair will only be in contact with the animal for up to 1 minute to reduce skin irritation. Hair and nair will be removed with a wet sponge pad. Aquasonic clear ultrasound gel will be applied to the location of imaging (head, chest, abdomen, or back). Imaging will be performed with Visualsonics Vevo F2 Ultrasound for about 20 minutes. Time of preparation and imaging will take about 40 minutes for each mouse. After imaging is complete, ultrasound gel will be removed with wet sponge pads. Mouse will be monitored for recovery (ambulation, maintenance of sternal recumbency) from anesthesia before being returned to the animal facility. “

If surgery procedures or more advanced imaging protocols are needed, please contact us (g.rong@northeastern.edu) or DLAM (dlam@northeastern.edu)

Ultrasounds is non-ionizing and under proper usage, it is safe/harmless for operators. Please discuss with the Core director if you have any safety concerns.

No- this instrument does not emit radiation and has no known side effects. 

Lab coat, safety glasses, gloves (general PPE) is required.

Food and drinks are not permitted even in the control room.

Ultrasounds contrast agents (UCA) are substances designed to facilitate the visualization of certain tissues of interest, commonly consisting of gas bubbles “microbubbles” encapsulated in different strategies for stabilization.

When alterations in the wave reflection pattern are needed to better identify or evaluate certain tissues or physiological mechanisms.

If the safety protocol and recommended guidelines are properly followed, there should be minimal risk to the operator associated with the use of Ultrasounds contrast agents.

When carrying animal studies consisting of contrast enhanced acquisitions, it is important to ensure that the dosage, administration route, and clearance considerations follow recommended guidelines and have received IACUC approval. Although minimal, there are some risks associated with improper injection of the contrast agent… If the operator is exposed to MRI contrast agents, please contact the CILS Core Director ASAP.

If you have any additional questions or you would like further clarification, please contact CILS Core Director Guoxin Rong at g.rong@northeastern.edu.