Photo of the XStrahl Cabinet Irradiator
XStrahl Cabinet Irradiator

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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.  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.

 

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
Image of the X-Strahl SAARP
Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SAARP)

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