MCT FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take in projects from outside researchers?
Yes, one of the primary purposes for our research group is to provide accessible and top-quality high-resolution scanning services for the scientific community and for the industry.
How large a sample can you scan?
For the 1072 the max. size of the sample is 20mm at 1Kx1K reconstruction (Length up to 5 cm).
For the 1076 in vivo scanner we can scan samples with a diameter up to 68mm and a lenght of 20 cm. Because one scan cycle covers approx. 2 cm, multiple scans are necessary in the case of long samples.
What kind of sample preparation is required?
It depends on what you're scanning; in many cases, no preparation needs to be done at all, or whatever preparation that is necessary is best handled by us.
In general, the optimal geometry of the specimen is a cylinder; thus if your sample can be made cylindrical, it would be beneficial for scanning efficiency and image quality.
If a cylindrical geometry is not possible, it would still be good to have the sample to be as equidimensional as possible in the scan plane.
How long does it take to acquire a scan?
Scanning times are quite variable, depending on the scientific objectives of the researcher, the geometrical and material characteristics of the objects being scanned and the scanning system we use.
In general, if the details being inspected have a large density contrast with the surrounding matrix, or if they are fairly large in proportion to the overall object, scan times are shorter.
Conversely, if the features being studied are small or consist of subtle density variations, longer scan times will probably be required to distinguish them with sufficient clarity.
Denser objects tend to take longer to scan than less-dense objects.
We might be able to provide an estimate if you describe your sample and imaging requirements to us.
Can CT scanning provide direct density measurements?
Yes, but it takes some preliminary work geared to a specific study objective.
CT images generally reflect relative density variations in the object being scanned, but specific gray scale values reflect a wide range of factors determined by the scanning conditions.
In order to obtain density data, calibrations must be performed based on the specific material being scanned at the exact scanning conditions that will be used.
What image processing services do you provide?
Right now we principally provide services to aid in visualization of the scan data in 2D images.
The images on this web site provide good examples of many of the things we can do.
We also have the capability for more sophisticated image analysis, such as 3D images, stereo images and animation.
What's your turnaround time?
It varies depending on our workload at the time, so consult with us to find out what the current situation is. In general, test scans are the lowest priority, so turnaround time for them tends to be longer. If you have a special deadline by which you need scans, such as a grant application deadline, let us know and we shall do our best to accommodate it.
How and where should I ship specimens, and how will specimens be handled?
Usually the samples are hand-carried by the researcher to our lab.
Samples should be securely packed in a sturdy container.
The micro CT lab has secure storage in locked specimen cabinets.
Let us know if there are any special requirements for specimen storage (e.g., whether the specimen is pickled in ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or formalin; whether the specimen is to remain frozen, etc.).
Let us know if there are special requirements or restrictions in preparing specimens for scanning.
We will need permission to remove specimen labels from samples if this is necessary to improve scan quality.
I want to try something out. What should I do next?
=> Contact us

Micro CT Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1 (Building N), 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
Spokeswoman : Prof. Dr. N. Declerck

E-mail : Nora.Declercq@ua.ac.be

Tel +32 3 2652880