Caliper Life Sciences, a provider of tools and services for molecular diagnostics, has introduced software and accessory items to enable the direct co-registration of images from multiple preclinical imaging modalities.

The toolkit, comprising the new Living Image Multi-Modality Software Module and the Mouse Imaging Shuttle, provides integration of data from Caliper’s IVIS optical imaging systems with data from Quantum FX microCT as well as data from third-party microCT, MRI, PET and SPECT instruments.

With the Living Image Multi-Modality Software Module researchers can directly import data from preclinical microCT, MRI, PET and SPECT into the Living Image software environment for combination with 3D bioluminescence and fluorescence images from an IVIS Spectrum optical imaging system.

The software contains advanced visualization features, and the Mouse Imaging Shuttle immobilises the animal for transport between the different systems to enable high-quality co-registration.

The multi-modality kit has been optimised for use with Caliper’s IVIS Spectrum and Quantum FX microCT imaging systems to enable comprehensive longitudinal imaging of a single animal over multiple time points without harming the subject.

Caliper Life Sciences president and CEO Kevin Hrusovsky said that Caliper’s in vivo imaging solutions serve as a bridge between the laboratory and the clinic and this new co-registration toolkit is another component of their expansion strategy to address the $500m preclinical imaging market.