Columbia University PET Center

Research Services

Two scientists at work in lab

The Columbia University PET Center provides investigators with the equipment, radiopharmaceuticals, and personnel to design and conduct research studies using positron emission tomography. The PET Center is a cGMP/FDA registered PET drug manufacturer. 

Services

  • Cell Studies 
  • Western blots 
  • Design and radiosynthesis of PET tracers using nucleides [13N], [15O] targets and dual targets for [11C] and [18F]F- isotope productions 
  • Chemical, manufacturing, and control (CMC) generation 
  • Pre-clinical data generation including rodent (mice and rats) microPET scans, rodent microCT scans 
  • Preclinical studies using non-human primate PET/CT scans (client provides primates) 
  • Metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies  
  • Biodistribution studies with OLINIDA modeling 
  • PET/CT and diagnostic CT human research scans 
  • Validation and regulatory submission of compound for human use 

Imaging Equipment

For more information about our imaging equipment, visit our facilities and equipment page. 

  • Siemens Biograph mCT PET/CT 
  • Siemens Preclinical Inveon PET/SPECT/CT 
  • Invion MicroPET scanner 
  • MILabs VECTor (OI/CT) optical imaging system 

Steps for Initiating a Human PET Research Protocol 

Protocol Development 

Step 1: Consult with a PET Center faculty member to discuss your research ideas to determine the potential impact PET imaging will have on your unique research project and the feasibility of collaboration. Email PETresearch@cumc.columbia.edu to set up a consultation. 

Step 2: Fill out and submit our Radiology Study Feasability Request form. 

Step 3: Draft a research protocol and follow our recommendations to facilitate the protocol review/approval processes. 

Step 4: Be sure investigators and research staff complete required HIPAA and MRRC training prior to protocol start date. 

Protocol Initiation 

Step 5: Request a cost estimate using our online form.  

Step 6: Once you have received your cost estimate, submit study to the university’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) through RASCAL. 

Step 7: Once you have received IRB approval you must enter your study into iLab. 

Step 8: You will be contacted by the PET Center to schedule a protocol initiation meeting.  The process for scheduling scans will be covered in this meeting. Visit our scheduling instructions page for more information about scheduling scans.