X-Ray Screening and Image Interpretation Flashcards

On a typical dual-energy X-ray display, a block of organic material with even density and wires attached to a battery should be treated as what?

Answer: A possible IED needing further screening

An organic mass connected by wires to a power source matches the profile of an IED and must be resolved.

Why do screeners use the 'high penetration' function on an X-ray image?

Answer: To see into denser areas that look too dark at normal settings

High penetration adjusts the display to show detail inside dense regions that otherwise look dark.

A handgun that has been taken apart and spread across a bag is best detected by doing what?

Answer: Recognizing individual parts such as the barrel, slide, frame, and magazine

Disassembled firearms are found by recognizing individual parts, since the full gun shape will not appear.

A dense metal container such as a thermos or lead-lined bag that blocks the view of what is inside is an example of what?

Answer: Shielding

Shielding is when dense material blocks X-rays and may be used on purpose to hide a threat.

Live ammunition rounds usually look like what on an X-ray image?

Answer: Small, dense cylinders with a pointed or rounded tip, often in rows

Cartridges show up as small dense metal cylinders, often grouped together, with a clear bullet tip.

When a bag is heavily cluttered and the screener cannot confidently see all items, what is the best practice?

Answer: Rescreen it, for example after removing or rearranging items, or send it for a bag search

If clutter keeps the screener from clearing every area, the bag must be rescreened or searched by hand.

Which approach to image interpretation best lowers the chance of missing a threat?

Answer: Looking at the image the same systematic way every time and checking every area

A consistent, systematic search pattern makes sure every part of the image is checked.