Although the imaging of specimens and phantoms is technically not human imaging, the HIRO is still happy to assist with the logistics for these types of scans. If you are interested in using Department of Radiology equipment to scan a specimen, phantom, or other object for a research project, please see below.

Specimen Imaging

Modern imaging techniques are finding increased use in a variety of fields, including archeology, paleontology, organismal biology and anatomy, paleobiology, etc. However, it is often not practical for some programs or departments to purchase and operate large-scale imaging equipment like CT and MRI scanners. In these cases, the Department of Radiology may assist with the imaging of fossilized specimens, biological specimens, and similar types of objects.

The HIRO is able to assist with the scheduling and performance of specimen scans on all different Radiology modalities (CT, MRI, PET, Ultrasound, etc). We have assisted with a variety of specimen scans, including scans of fossilized remains as well as scans of biological specimens from the Field Museum.

If you have a specimen that you would like scanned for research purposes, the HIRO may be able to help. Please contact the HIRO directly (hirohelp [at] bsd [dot] uchicago [dot] edu) with the details of your project and specimens. Please note that there may be Department of Radiology and/or HIRO charges associated with these scans.

Phantom Imaging

"Imaging Phantoms" are special types of imaging equipment that are often used for calibration and testing purposes. The Department of Radiology routinely performs phantom scans for quality assurance purposes. They can also be used to conduct physics experiments.

Some clinical trials may occasionally require the performance of specialized phantom scans; in some cases, they will even provide the phantom device that must be scanned. The HIRO is able to assist with the scheduling and performance of these scans on all different imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET, Ultrasound, DEXA, etc). Similarly, if you have a research project or experiment that requires copies of some of the Department of Radiology's routine phantom scans or the performance of entirely new phantom scans, the HIRO can assist you.

For help and support with phantom scans for research purposes, please contact the HIRO (hirohelp [at] bsd [dot] uchicago [dot] edu). Please note that there may be Department of Radiology and/or HIRO charges associated with these scans.