Ionizing Radiation Services
Ionizing Radiation Services (IRS) provides research related radiation treatments to eukaryotic and procaryotic cells, viruses, and small animals as well as non-biological materials. The IRS core facility includes an Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP), Xstrahl CIX3 cabinet irradiator, and a Cesium gamma-ray source. With funding from the Department of Energy and University of Iowa, plans are underway to decommission the Cesium source.
Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP)
The SARRP can deliver filtered or unfiltered x-rays, with maximum x-ray energy of 225 kVp and a range of mA between 2.8 mA (fine) – 13 mA (broad). The SARRP also has a motorized variable columnator and various fixed columnators to be used with aluminum or copper filtration for imaging or therapy delivery. A CT imaging panel is used to determine treatment planning using Muriplan. SARRP is ideal for preclinical studies that use targeted radiation therapy.
The newly acquired Xstrahl CIX3 cabinet irradiator consists of a metal ceramic fixed anode x-ray tube with a maximum voltage of 320 kV and current maximum of 1.0 – 30 mA housed in a large lead-shielded irradiation chamber. The instrument is equipped with quick-change beam conditioning filters, adjustable specimen table (20 cm to 70 cm SSD), movable operator control panel, and a touch-screen interface. Unlike SARRP, this equipment is ideal for delivering non-targeted radiation treatments of biological and non-biological specimens. The facility also includes a GE Typhoon FLA 7000 Phosphorimager that provides image capture, storage, analysis, and quantitation of autoradiography and chemiluminescence signals.
XStrahl Cabinet Irradiator
IRS Services:
Cesium-137 gamma-Ray Source
- 6,000 Curies, JL Shepherd; Dose rate: 40-2400 cGy/minute
- Total doses have ranged 10 cGy – 13,000,000 cGy
Xstrahl X-Ray Cabinet
- CIX3, Xstrahl; Maximum Voltage: 320 kV
- Maximum Field Size: 51.3 cm diameter at 70 cm FSD; Dose rate: 71.4 cGy/min
Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP)
- Xstrahl, pre-clinical system; On-board high-resolution cone beam-CT imaging
- Targeted beams with ≥3 mm field sizes; Maximum x-ray energy of 220 kVp
- MuriPlan treatment planning software; Dose rate: 243 cGy/min
Typhoon FLA 7000 Phosphorimager
- Autoradiography, Chemiluminescence, and Fluorescence
IRS Hours and Contact Information: Ionizing Radiation Services are available, 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday. Special arrangements can be arranged after discussions with the IRS Core leaders. To set up an appointment, or if you have questions, please contact radcore@uiowa.edu