Aolong ChiRad 225 Small Animal X-ray Irradiator

Overview

The Aolong ChiRad 225 Small Animal X-ray Irradiator is a purpose-built, self-shielded irradiation platform engineered for preclinical radiobiology research. It operates on the principle of bremsstrahlung X-ray generation via high-voltage electron bombardment of a tungsten target, delivering a highly reproducible, dose-controlled beam in the medium-energy range (up to 225 kV). This energy level enables effective penetration through small animal models—including mice and rats—as well as tissue explants, cell monolayers, bacterial suspensions, and insect cohorts—while maintaining sufficient surface dose uniformity and depth-dose conformity for standardized experimental protocols. Unlike radioactive isotope-based systems, the ChiRad 225 eliminates regulatory burdens associated with source licensing, transport, and disposal, offering an on-demand, electrically driven alternative compliant with international radiation safety frameworks including IEC 60601-2-70 and national regulations governing cabinet X-ray equipment.

Key Features

• Self-shielded cabinet design meeting stringent leakage requirements: <0.5 µSv/h at 10 cm from any external surface during operation at maximum kV and mA settings.
• Dual interlocked access doors with electromagnetic locking, mechanical latch, and emergency stop circuitry—fully integrated into the PLC safety architecture.
• Motorized, programmable sample stage featuring vertical adjustment (13–65 cm SOD), continuous 2 RPM rotation, and optional motorized turntable for enhanced dose homogeneity across multi-well plates or animal cages.
• Real-time dose monitoring via built-in ionization chamber, enabling position-specific calibration and traceable dosimetry without external survey meters.
• Windows-based control interface with role-based user authentication, audit-trail-capable session logging, and unlimited protocol storage for repeatable irradiation sequences.
• Programmable exposure time (1–9999 s), adjustable tube voltage (20–225 kV), and current (0.1–13 mA), supporting flexible dose-rate modulation across biological targets.
• Closed-loop thermal management system maintains stable anode temperature during extended operation, minimizing spectral drift and ensuring long-term output consistency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ChiRad 225 accommodates diverse biological specimens: murine and rat models (including restrained or unrestrained configurations), Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), Eppendorf tubes, vials, insect containment trays, and organotypic tissue slices. Its 40° beam divergence and 40 cm field diameter support simultaneous irradiation of multiple samples under identical geometric and dosimetric conditions. The system complies with ISO 15223-1 for medical device labeling, meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61000-6-3/6-4, and incorporates design elements aligned with GLP principles—particularly in data integrity, operator accountability, and environmental stability. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, its operational parameters are referenced in ASTM F2582 (Standard Guide for Use of X-ray Irradiators in Radiobiological Research) and widely adopted in academic and contract research organizations conducting IND-enabling toxicology and biodistribution studies.

Software & Data Management

The embedded Windows OS hosts a dedicated irradiation control application supporting multi-user access with password-protected accounts, customizable permission levels, and encrypted local storage of all irradiation logs—including operator ID, timestamp, kV/mA/SOD/exposure time, chamber-measured dose, and system status flags. All parameter sets are saved as named protocols with version timestamps; no limit applies to stored methods. Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and can be exported in CSV or PDF format for regulatory submissions. Optional integration with LIMS via TCP/IP or OPC UA is available upon request for automated workflow synchronization.

Applications

• Immunology: Total body irradiation (TBI) for bone marrow ablation prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; selective lymphocyte depletion; tolerance induction studies.
• Oncology: Fractionated tumor irradiation in orthotopic or subcutaneous xenografts; radiosensitizer/radioprotector screening; cancer stem cell radiosensitivity profiling.
• Genomics & DNA Repair: Quantitative assessment of double-strand break kinetics (e.g., γH2AX foci formation), chromosomal aberration analysis, and repair pathway inhibition validation.
• Microbiology: Controlled attenuation of pathogens for vaccine development; radiation resistance phenotyping in bacterial/archaeal strains; spore inactivation kinetics.
• Entomology: Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) implementation via pupal or adult irradiation; mutagenesis-driven forward genetic screens.
• Cell Biology: Induction of senescence or apoptosis in primary and immortalized lines; bystander effect quantification; radiation-induced signaling cascade mapping (e.g., ATM/ATR, p53, NF-κB).

FAQ

Is the ChiRad 225 suitable for regulatory-compliant Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies?
Yes—the system supports full traceability, user accountability, and electronic record retention required under OECD GLP Principles and FDA 21 CFR Part 58. Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance packages include digital signatures, electronic audit trails, and system validation documentation.
What is the typical dose rate range achievable at 50 cm SOD using standard settings?
At 225 kV / 13 mA with 0.8 mm Be filtration and 40 cm field diameter, measured dose rates range from ~0.2 to 1.8 Gy/min at 50 cm SOD depending on chamber calibration and beam hardening—full characterization reports are provided with each unit.
Can the system be integrated into automated animal handling workflows?
Yes—OEM customization includes robotic arm interfaces, conveyor-compatible staging, barcode-triggered irradiation, and API-accessible control commands for seamless integration into high-throughput preclinical platforms.
Does the ChiRad 225 require external lead shielding or facility modification?
No—it is certified as a Class II cabinet X-ray system under national radiation safety regulations; installation requires only standard electrical supply and adequate ventilation—no structural shielding upgrades are necessary.
Is technical support and service available outside China?
Yes—Aolong provides global service agreements, remote diagnostics, on-site engineer dispatch (within 72 hours in major markets), and certified training programs delivered in English by factory-trained field application specialists.