Initial Evaluation of LabPET/SPECT Dual Modality Animal Imaging System

We developed SPECT imaging capability on a LabPET animal scanner to provide an integrated PET/SPECT dual-modality imaging system. The add-on SPECT sub-system was enabled by 1) mechanically integrating a multiple-pinhole collimator in the PET detector ring, and 2) configuring the detectors to acquire singles events in the 120-160 keV range. We report on the design parameters, data acquisition protocols and initial performance assessment of this cost-effective SPECT imaging solution. Phantom and animal images demonstrating the relevance of the system for various imaging tasks in preclinical research are presented.