SUV=Standard Uptake Value, is a simple method for normalizing uptake based on the injected tracer dose and the weight of the animal. Essentially, the scanner must be calibrated so that the activity (ACT) is measured in absolute units (e.g. nCi/cc). The injected dose (DOSE) must be measured and converted to the same units. The animal weight (WT) in gm or kg is measured. From ACT, DOSE, WT, the SUV is given by:

SUV=ACT/(DOSE/WT)*100

Note that the related measure (%ID/gm) does not use the animal weight (WT)

The above simple formula is used typically for small animal studies. For clinical studies, there are many formulas to compute lean body mass, which is used instead of WT.