The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the completion of the installation of a computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner in the security checkpoint at Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV) in North Carolina.

The new CT scanner, from Analogic, will be used to screen travelers’ carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints. CT units generate a 3D image of the contents of a carry-on bag and a TSA officer can then manipulate the 3D X-ray image on-screen to allow for a better view of the bag’s contents, ultimately reducing the number of bag checks that are required.

When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers at the airport can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics larger than a cell phone and food. However, the opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit so the TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.

“Use of CT technology at our security checkpoints is a win-win for TSA and passengers,” said Jennifer Gordon, TSA Federal Security Director for PGV.

“We get increased detection capability which leads to fewer bag checks and passengers get to leave their electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their bags which speeds up the process.”