Scintica recognizes the need for both high-quality data and animal welfare in preclinical research.
By combining Scintica’s iNSiGHT DXA System with the RWD integrated anesthesia solution, researchers now have a streamlined process for repeated, non-invasive imaging and body composition evaluations with little radiation exposure and maximum reproducibility.
About the iNSiGHT DXA
The iNSiGHT DXA is a completely shielded X-ray cabinet developed for small-animal body composition analysis (mice, rats, ~10–500 g) in preclinical studies. Measurements take approximately 25 seconds, are non-invasive, and employ low-dose radiation, making repeated scans safe and feasible.
Using dual-energy X-rays, iNSiGHT can separate each pixel into three compartments: fat mass, lean (non-bone) mass, and bone mineral content.
Output metrics include total and regional (ROI) data, such as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (g and %), lean mass (g and %), total weight, tissue area, bone area, and even bone-length measurements.
Because scans are quick and non-destructive, the same animal can be tracked over time, allowing for longitudinal in vivo studies of bone, obesity, muscle wasting, cachexia, metabolic syndrome, and other conditions.
About the RWD integrated anesthesia system
Using an integrated anesthetic system guarantees that animals are appropriately sedated and safe during the DXA scan, which is required for high-quality images and correct compartmentalization.
Safe for animals and staff:
- Dual-5 channel options: Dual-5 channel options ensure an equal anesthetic dose to each port, preventing awakening or overdose.
- Self-scavenging: Integrated active gas scavenging prevents dangerous waste gas exposure for staff members.
- Ergonomic: Animals lie in their natural position.
Engineered for X-ray:
- No X-ray obstruction: X-ray-compatible material ensures no hindrance during imaging.
When combined with the iNSiGHT DXA's fast scan times, the integrated anesthetic setup enables low-stress, repetitive sessions with minimal handling, preserving animal welfare and data consistency.
The end product is a simplified, researcher-friendly workflow for in vivo imaging and body composition tracking.
A synergistic, animal-friendly imaging pipeline
By integrating the iNSiGHT DXA system with the RWD integrated anesthetic setup, researchers gain access to an ultrafast, low-dose, non-invasive, and highly repeatable imaging and body composition platform, allowing for genuinely longitudinal preclinical experiments with minimal animal discomfort.
This technique meets ethical criteria for animal welfare, minimizes radiation exposure compared to µCT, and provides reliable data about bone, fat, and lean tissue composition.
For labs looking to reduce invasiveness and improve longitudinal data collection, this integrated DXA + anesthetic system is a best-in-class choice.
Image Credit: Scintica Instrumentation Inc.
About Scintica Instrumentation Inc.
At Scintica, we advance science and medicine by supplying researchers with reliable research instrumentation and equipment. Our carefully selected portfolio of imaging systems, research tools, and supporting technologies is designed to reduce complexity and help scientists focus on what matters most, generating
meaningful results.
We partner closely with the preclinical research community to connect teams with solutions that are scientifically robust and built to support research challenges. From system selection through long-term support, our goal is to make research more productive, efficient, and impactful.
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