The PET/MRI Metabolic Service Center (PMMSC) houses a state of the art simultaneous whole-body PET/MRI scanner and a carbon-13 hyperpolarizer device. We operate as a university service center that is available on a pay-for-use basis to researchers throughout Stanford University as well as to non-Stanford researchers.

Signa PET/MR (GE Healthcare)

The simultaneous PET/MRI scanner combines the high spatial resolution and fine anatomical soft tissue detail of MRI with the high molecular specificity of PET imaging, in real-time, providing true functional imaging capabilities. More over the Time of Flight (TOF) PET provides improved SNR there by reducing the radiotracer dosage required. 

SpinLab Hyperpolarizer (GE Healthcare)

Hyperpolarization process yields >10,000 fold increase in signal of the MR-active nuclei. When used with MRI and/or MRS, hyperpolarized 13C-labeled metabolic tracers allow unprecedented real-time visualization of the biochemical pathways of normal and abnormal metabolism. 

PMMSC is the World's first installation of a SpinLab hyperpolarizer along side a PET/MRI scanner.

Individual researchers are required to undergo an MR safety and radiation safety training given by Lucas center magnet manager and/or PET/MRI research technologist.