University at Buffalo (UB) 
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Clinical and Translational Science InstituteAdvancing research discoveries to improve health for all
Services
The Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) provides a comprehensive suite of services to facilitate applications of biomedical imaging in translational research through design, development and implementation. Our offerings are systematically categorized into four progressive stages to seamlessly incorporate imaging into your research endeavors. We also coordinate with teaching faculty to facilitate tours, demonstrations and practical sessions.
Consultation: The CBI extends specialized consulting support to both researchers and clinicians, with a focus on:
- Experiment design: Collaborative efforts by CBI personnel aim to refine and enhance research strategies, ensuring effective investigation into selected research topics.
- Grant and manuscript writing: Our assistance in drafting grants and manuscripts provides a technically precise portrayal of imaging methodologies.
- Image analysis: CBI offers expert guidance for the development of imaging data analysis strategies suitable for laboratory applications.
Support services: Our experienced team delivers an array of support services for the developmental phases of research projects:
- Sequence development: We develop tailored imaging sequences and contrast agent strategies to meet the specific needs of your research.
- Training: We offer Level III and IV safety training for researchers to enable access and hands-on use of imaging equipment.
- Regulatory guidance: CBI will provide draft documents, which can be adopted for IACUC and IRB approval processes, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Implementation: From theory to practice: Our implementation services are designed to transform research into practice through a wide range of imaging modalities:
- Preclinical imaging: Using state-of-the-art tools such as small and large animal MRI, we facilitate longitudinal in vivo or ex vivo imaging to characterize target tissue.
- Phantom scans: We conduct phantom scans to investigate novel contrast agents and sequences.
- Human imaging: We conduct human imaging studies with advanced imaging methods such as fMRI and diffusion tractography.
Image analysis platform and resources:
Imaging studies at the CBI are supported by a centralized neuroinformatics platform built on the eXtensible Neuroimaging Archiving Toolkit (XNAT), which is used for the storage and organization of imaging data and analyses. This platform incorporates the MRI Ontology (MRIO) to drive sophisticated and fully automated pipelines and standardize the storage and interpretability of analyses. This both streamlines the process of deriving neuroinformatics data from studies as well as facilitates the production of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) neuroimaging data. The platform automates complex neuroimaging analyses conducted on conventional MRI data that are capable of measuring brain volumetry (via e.g. FSL’s SIENAX), cortical thickness (via e.g. FreeSurfer), and measures of structural and functional connectivity, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
In addition to this platform. the CBI maintains strong affiliations with distinguished university faculty, who are available to collaborate on the development of sophisticated imaging pipelines for diverse study requirements, extending beyond the CBI's direct services
The Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI) operates on a fee-for-service basis, catering to members of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University at Buffalo (UB) researchers, and other external investigators seeking to utilize our advanced imaging services.
Our imaging fees are determined based on the funding source and instrument, with charges applied on an hourly basis. Additionally, we provide contrast agents at an extra cost. Below, you will find a detailed service fee schedule outlining the various CBI services:
Instrument/Service | Unit of Measure (UOM) | Internal Rate1 | Internal + GUSF2 | External Rate3 |
3T Funded Studies | Hour | $400.00 | $459.77 | $500.00 |
3T Pilot Studies | Hour | $175.00 | $201.15 | $300.00 |
3T Pilot Studies - Own Staff | Hour | $125.00 | $143.68 | N/A |
3T Subsidized | Hour | $- | $- | $- |
9.4T Funded Studies | Hour | $150.00 | $172.41 | $250.00 |
| 9.4T Funded Studies - Own Staff | Hour | $100.00 | $114.94 | N/A |
9.4T Pilot Studies | Hour | $85.00 | $97.70 | $200.00 |
9.4T Pilot Studies - Own Staff | Hour | $55.00 | $63.22 | N/A |
9.4T Subsidized | Hour | $- | $- | $- |
1 Internal Rate = (Cost - Subsidies): Internal users include academic, research, administrative, and auxiliary units whose originating source of funds is within or flows through the university. This includes state, RF, UBF, and Faculty Student Association (FSA) funds.
2 Internal Rate + GUSF = (Internal Rate + GUSF): To be charged to internal customers paying with another form of payment (i.e. Wire Transfer, ACH, Electronic Payment, Paper Check or Credit Card (with prior approval)).
3 External Rate = (Cost + GUSF + Markup): External users are individuals or organizations whose originating source of funds is outside the university. External users include faculty and staff acting in a personal capacity. Affiliated hospitals and other universities are external users unless the university has subcontracted with them as part of a grant or contract, in which case they are an internal user.
Request a consultation or a quote through the CTSI service request portal.