The requested equipment is an X-RAD 320 large chamber self-contained X-ray system from Precision X-ray Inc. This equipment would significantly advance the existing research of a large number of VA researchers, enable the extension of current studies in new directions and foster collaborations among multiple VA investigators. The irradiator has built in functionality to perform both X-ray irradiation as well as bioluminescent imaging of small animals. There is currently no equipment at the Cleveland VA Medical Center to perform irradiation of any sort for research studies or bioluminescent imaging of small animals. This instrument will play a major role in enabling VA research to be performed on site at the Cleveland VA Medical Center that currently is not feasible and can only be performed off site. Acquisition of the irradiator will greatly enhance Cleveland VA research efforts in a variety of fields including cancer research, neurological research and studies on SARS-COV2. In addition to being the only instrument that incorporates imaging and irradiation into a single device, a major advantage of this instrument is its safety. Unlike radioactive irradiators that have major safety and regulatory concerns, this X-ray based instrument is safe and reliable. The Cleveland VA research program has 4 Major and several minor users whose research will be significantly impacted by this instrument. In addition, it is expected that the availability of this currently unavailable technology will help foster new directions for other local VA researchers. All of the users have strong track records of VA and other national funding that will help support the use of this machine. The PI will help lead the efforts to supervise and maintain the equipment as well as train other users. Overall, the purchase of the X-RAD 320 irradiator will fill a major unmet need for many VA researchers and facilitate future research efforts.
The X-Rad 320 X-ray irradiator from Precision X-ray Inc. is a large chamber self-contained X-ray system that enables the delivery of precise radiation doses to small animals, biological specimens and reagents. This irradiator is also the only one in existence that also has the capability to perform bioluminescent imaging (as well as X-ray imaging). VA researchers at the Cleveland Medical Center are currently performing a wide variety of research studies that depend upon this technology including studies to assess treatments for cancer, to assess the biology of neurological diseases, to assess immune responses in veterans with COVID-19 infections. We anticipate that this instrument will play an important role in advancing research in these directions that are important for the health of veterans.
