To assess differences in attenuation between individual chambers and rows or columns in the device, we first imaged a standardized phantom plug as a control. Rats were anesthetized in series and placed in a 3 × 3 arrangement. To address several of these constraints, we created a 3D-printed apparatus that accommodated simultaneous imaging of as many as 9 rats under gas anesthesia. Limitations of microCT and clinical CT include biosecurity, anesthesia to limit image distortion due to motion, and cost. Because microCT equipment is not always available, clinical CT may be a viable alternative.
Rodent models of cancer are commonly studied prior to human clinical trials, but CT in rodents can be difficult due to their small size and constant movement, which necessitates general anesthesia. CT (computerized tomography) is a necessary imaging modality for cancer staging and disease monitoring.
