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Health and Care Professions

Welcome to the Medical Imaging Centre

Our state-of-the-art Medical Imaging Centre is a research centre based at St Luke’s Campus in Exeter. We are part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and are linked with other Departments and Research Centres around the University. We also work in collaboration with the Mirielle Gillings Neuroimaging Centre which is based at the nearby Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital site.

Please see our introductory video for information on the equipment, services and collaboration opportunities we have available to business and other organisations:

We provide both imaging equipment and access to experienced staff, to assist researchers and organisations with multidisciplinary research by applying clinical and advanced medical imaging techniques. We are available for hire of our equipment and staff to assist with commercial, industrial and research interests.

A man seated in a chair next to a pqct machine, engaged in a medical examination.

A woman lying on a bed, illuminated by light, undergoing a patient abdominal x-ray examination.

A man examines a computer screen displaying a dxa scan of an x-ray image for analysis.

The Medical Imaging Centre is led by our Director alongside key colleagues in the Medical Imaging team and a dedicated Technician for the area. We work closely with the University’s business-facing team, Exeter Innovation.

We fully integrate several modalities, including portable and static radiographic equipment, multiple ultrasound scanners, high resolution pQCT, and bone health diagnostic tools such as DXA (GE iDXA), Echolight, and Bindex systems. We offer vascular testing systems such as Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Doppler ultrasound.
We work closely with the Mirielle Gillings Neuroimaging Centre which offers 3T MRI and PET/CT facilities.

Our aim is to support both research projects within the University of Exeter, as well as external projects and collaborations with our facilities and specialist knowledge on clinical medical imaging and diagnostic radiography

X-ray

Our digital radiography Siemens Multix Fusion X-ray suite has all the requirements of a clinical x-ray room, making it ideal for research and educational activities. The system integrates with an internal Insignia PACS network and educational podium and smart board within the room. Additional dosimetry and simulation equipment are also available

GE iDXA Scanner

The GE Lunar iDXA is a top of the range dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scanner which has the capability to measure both bone density and body composition.  The standard clinical scan protocols include lumbar spine, proximal femur, lateral vertebral assessment (vertebral fracture assessment) and extended femur scans.  The scanner is also able to perform research related scans including total body for bone density and body composition and knee scans.

Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT)

The Stratec pQCT 300o enables high-resolution imaging of bone density and strength, particularly in the forearm and lower leg, by assessing both trabecular and cortical bone compartments, offering precision beyond DXA for bone quality and structure. 

The Leonardo Mechanography measures and analyses essential factors of locomotion like Force, Power, Velocity, Stiffness, Coordination or Balance using every-day movement patters. This allows for relevant analysis results covering a wide age and performance span - from children to the elderly, from chronic conditions to athletes. The measurement is based on the assessment of dynamic ground reaction forces by using special force plates.

The Leonardo Mechanograph automated grip-force measurement is a compact system for measurement of the isometric grip force (IMGF). Measurement results are automatically stored in the database of the Leonardo Mechanography software and the results are compared with reference data form age 3 to 99. This new method serves as an accessible indicator of overall muscle function and is strongly correlated with bone health and functional strength outcomes. These methods allow for a nuanced understanding of musculoskeletal health, particularly valuable in evaluating more precisely and in-depth musculoskeletal development, adaptation and health that can advance the research in the fields of sarcopenia, obesity and osteoporosis.

The pQCT, jumping mechanography, and handgrip strength assessments are advanced methods for evaluating bone and muscle strength using innovative imaging methods.

Ultrasound

We have two ultrasound scanners with intuitive user interface that deliver high-definition images for full scale ultrasound examinations. We have a Canon Aplio a-series with mid/high-range frequency transducers and a Micro-vascular Imaging function that offers colour flow imaging with unmatched detail and definition. We also have a Siemens Acuson system with cardiovascular imaging accessories that offer top of the range image definition.

Bone health

Bone health diagnostics are a priority area for the Medical Imaging centre. Aslong with the equipment above, we have osteoporosis screening tools such as QUS, Echolight and Bindex systems onsite

Lab equipment

The Medical Imaging Centre has a range of educational and research-based lab equipment for radiographic studies. Examples include dosimetry equipment such as the Harshaw TLD reader, RTI Piranha dosimeter, and an adult CIRS dosimetry phantom. Other systems include an Artinis continuous wave NIRS system and PHYWE table top x-ray units. We have access to virtual radiography simulation software (both 2D and VR) and anthropomorphic phantoms to aid our students’ education.


Our team

“We have worked with the Medical Imaging team at the University of Exeter for three years developing our bone health screening product. In that time, the team have provided us with access to imaging equipment, research expertise and a large patient cohort for us to test the software out on. As a result of this we have managed to achieve a CE mark for the product and have recently launched it for sale with one of the large X-ray imaging manufacturers. This is something we simply couldn't have achieved on our own”

Paul Scott

CEO of IBEX Innovations

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Medical Imaging Centre or would like to use any of our equipment, then please get in contact with us.

Email: MI-Centre@exeter.ac.uk
Telephone: 01392 722511