Quantitative magnetic resonance system providing rapid, non-invasive body composition analysis (fat, lean tissue, free water) in conscious mice for metabolic phenotyping studies.
The Quantitative Body Composition Analyzer for mice employs quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) technology to provide rapid, non-invasive assessment of body composition in conscious animals. Operating at 0.14 T magnetic field strength, the system differentiates fat, lean tissue, and free water compartments through distinct NMR signal characteristics, enabling precise longitudinal tracking without the stress or confounding variables associated with anesthesia.
The 60 mm bore diameter accommodates standard laboratory mice while maintaining measurement precision through optimized RF coil geometry. Scan acquisition completes in under 90 seconds, supporting high-throughput phenotyping protocols essential for metabolic research applications. The conscious animal protocol eliminates anesthesia-related metabolic perturbations and allows for repeated measurements within experimental designs.
Quantitative magnetic resonance exploits the distinct NMR relaxation properties of different tissue types to separate body composition signals without anatomical imaging. The 0.14 T permanent magnet generates a uniform magnetic field that aligns nuclear spins in hydrogen-containing molecules. Radiofrequency pulses at 6 MHz excite these spins, and the subsequent relaxation signals are analyzed to differentiate fat, lean tissue, and free water based on their characteristic T1 and T2 relaxation times.
Fat tissue exhibits shorter T1 relaxation due to molecular motion characteristics, while free water shows longer relaxation times. Lean tissue produces intermediate signals reflecting bound water and protein content. The system applies proprietary algorithms to deconvolve these overlapping signals into quantitative mass measurements for each compartment. Signal acquisition occurs while the mouse remains conscious in a restraint tube, eliminating metabolic perturbations from anesthesia that could affect tissue hydration and composition measurements.
| Feature | This Product | Category Context |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Field Strength | 0.14 T permanent magnet | Entry-level systems often use lower field strengths |
| Bore Diameter | 60 mm bore | Smaller bore diameters may restrict animal positioning |
| Scan Duration | Under 90 seconds | Longer scan times increase animal stress |
| Animal State | Conscious measurement protocol | Some systems require anesthesia |
This system combines rapid scan acquisition under 90 seconds with conscious animal protocols, enabling high-throughput metabolic phenotyping without anesthesia confounds. The 0.14 T permanent magnet provides stable operation without cryogenic requirements, while the 60 mm bore accommodates standard laboratory mice with optimal measurement precision.
Run calibration standards at the beginning of each measurement session to ensure system stability.
Magnetic field drift over time can affect measurement accuracy and reproducibility.
Allow animals to acclimate to the restraint tube for 2-3 minutes before scanning to reduce movement artifacts.
Animal stress and movement can introduce signal variability and affect measurement precision.
Clean the restraint tube with appropriate disinfectant between animals to prevent cross-contamination.
Maintains hygiene standards and prevents introduction of foreign material that could affect NMR signals.
Record animal temperature and hydration status as these factors can influence free water measurements.
Physiological variables affect tissue water content and can introduce systematic measurement bias.
Check for ferrous materials in the measurement area if signal quality degrades unexpectedly.
Magnetic field disturbances from metal objects can compromise measurement accuracy and repeatability.
Remove all ferrous items from personnel before approaching the magnet assembly.
Permanent magnets create strong local fields that can attract metal objects and pose safety risks.
ConductScience provides standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor, with technical support for installation, calibration, and operational guidance throughout the warranty period.
What is the measurement precision for fat and lean mass quantification?
Consult product datasheet for specific precision and accuracy specifications. QMR systems typically achieve coefficient of variation under 2% for repeated measurements.
How does conscious animal measurement compare to DEXA scanning accuracy?
QMR provides direct tissue composition measurement through NMR relaxation properties, while DEXA uses X-ray attenuation. Both methods show strong correlation, with QMR offering the advantage of conscious animal protocols.
What is the minimum and maximum mouse weight range for accurate measurements?
Consult product specifications for weight range limits. The 60 mm bore accommodates standard laboratory mice from weanling through adult stages.
Can the system detect changes in body composition over short time periods?
The measurement precision enables detection of composition changes over days to weeks, depending on the magnitude of change and experimental design statistical power.
How often does the system require recalibration?
Consult manufacturer recommendations for calibration frequency. Typically performed weekly or before critical measurement series using provided reference standards.
What data formats are provided for analysis software integration?
Consult software documentation for export formats. Most QMR systems provide CSV or text file outputs compatible with statistical analysis packages.
Are there specific environmental requirements for installation?
Requires stable, non-magnetic environment away from ferrous materials and electromagnetic interference sources. Consult installation manual for specific temperature and humidity requirements.
