The Institute for Translational Research
A state-of-the-art, brain aging research-dedicated facility.
The ITR Imaging Center spans 12,580 square feet and provides a concierge-style experience for all.
The ITR Clinical Research Center (CRC) is designed to support clinical research studies across UNT Health. This fee-for-service infrastructure is built specifically to enable translation of findings into human studies. Services include PET/MRI scans, proteomics, biorepository, patient/participant recruitment, medical and functional exams, space for exams and testing, datasets and QA/QC.
The CRC is a centralized resource for the internal and external UNT Health community and is designed such that human examination procedures are available through the CRC rather than investigators having to hire new faculty and staff as part of funded research projects.
Center Overview
The ITR Imaging Center is a state-of-the-art, research-dedicated facility designed specifically to advance the understanding of the causes of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. This imaging center is unique as one of the few in the U.S. to have two powerful 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Vida MRI scanners and two Siemens Biograph Vision 450 PET/CT scanners. This cutting-edge technology will support current and future research conducted by ITR investigators and others across UNT Health and beyond.
Collaborate with us!
The ITR Imaging Center will be leveraged to support investigators across UNT Health and elsewhere to advance a broad portfolio of research efforts. All of the necessary equipment for storage, management and use of the proposed radiotracers are in place. We have established relationships with multiple commercial vendors for the radiotracers (e.g., Dallas TX, Houston TX, Shreveport LA).
The ITR research staff already have existing relationships with the LONI site and are familiar with the IDA system. We have standard cross-site QA/QC procedures in place for all imaging studies.
We are looking forward to working with you!
Imaging Staff
Meet our incredible staff that you will meet at the Imaging Center.
FAQ & Resources
Is the scan safe?
Yes. Both PET and MRI scans are considered very safe and are routinely used in both clinical care and research.
- PET scans use a small amount which is injected into a vein that contains a radioactive tracer and leaves your body naturally within a brief period time. The dose is carefully calculated and monitored.
- MRI scans do not use radiation at all. They use a strong magnet and radio waves to create images.
Our team follows strict safety protocols to protect you at every step. If you have any concerns, we’re always here to talk through them with you.
How will the scan make me feel?
Most participants do not feel any different during or after the scan.
- PET scan: The tracer does not typically cause any sensation. Some people may notice a brief cool feeling when the IV is given, but it passes quickly.
- MRI scan: You won’t feel the imaging itself. The main thing people notice is the noise, which is reduced by noise cancellation headphones while they listen to music and having to lie still.
After your scan, you should feel normal and can return to your regular activities without interruption.
What will I experience?
Most participants are comfortable during both scans.
- PET scan: You may feel a quick pinch when the IV is placed. After that, you’ll rest quietly while the tracer circulates, followed by the scan itself.
- MRI scan: The scanner can be somewhat noisy, and you’ll need to lie still. The MRI scanners are the largest, highest quality and least confining systems developed. We provide support, personal choice of music, communication, and comfort measures throughout the scan.
Let us know at any time if you feel uncomfortable—we’re monitoring you the whole time.
What happens after the scan?
- PET scan: The small amount of radioactivity in the tracer decreases quickly over time and leaves your body naturally. You can safely be around others, including in public places. As an extra precaution, we may recommend limiting very close or prolonged contact (such as holding small children or sitting very close for extended periods) for a few hours after your scan.
- MRI scan: There is no radiation involved, so there are no restrictions at all after your MRI.
Most participants can return to their normal daily activities right away. We’ll review any specific instructions with you before you leave.
