Frequently Asked Questions

MICAD: Aims and scope
  1. What is the mission of the database?
  2. What types of contrast and imaging agents does MICAD contain?
  3. What are the minimum criteria for an agent to be included in MICAD?

Contributing to MICAD
  1. How can I cite a MICAD record?
  2. May I suggest the addition of an entry to the database?

    3. MICAD: Aims and scope back to top

    1. What is the mission of the database? back to top

    MICAD has been developed as a key component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap. The mission of the MICAD program is to foster research and development in molecular imaging by providing critical and timely scientific information to the community working in the field. MICAD is a freely accessible database that catalogs in a comprehensive and easily accessible manner key research data on in vivo molecular imaging and contrast agents.

    2. What types of contrast and imaging agents does MICAD contain? back to top

    The MICAD database includes, but is not limited to, agents developed for positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), optical imaging, planar radiography, and planar gamma imaging. The MICAD staff focuses on providing key, up-to-date information that will enhance the discovery and availability of molecular imaging and contrast agents.

    3. What are the minimum criteria for an agent to be included in MICAD? back to top

    To be considered for inclusion into our database, proposed agents must have, at a minimum: i) research studies published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, ii) a synthetic procedure with sufficient information and iii) either in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo biological data (with respect to testing of the agent in a biological system).

    Contributing to MICAD back to top

    1. How can I cite a MICAD record? back to top

    The following format is recommended for citation of MICAD chapters: {Author name when applicable}.{Chemical name. Abbreviated name}. In: Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD) [database online]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), NCBI; 2004-{current year}. Available from: http://micad.nih.gov.

    2. May I suggest the addition of an entry to the database? back to top

    MICAD is a dynamic program that actively seeks feedback and recommendations. We welcome suggestions for new imaging or contrast agents meeting the minimum criteria for inclusion into MICAD. Feedback on existing entries of the database are also encouraged. Please feel free to contact our MICAD editors at micad@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.