X-Ray Image Analysis Flashcards

On an X-ray image, organic materials such as food and paper typically appear in what color using standard TSA color coding?

Answer: Orange

Standard X-ray color coding displays organic materials (plastics, food, paper) in shades of orange.

What does it mean when an object appears dark or black on an X-ray image?

Answer: The object is hollow or air-filled

Black areas on X-ray images represent air or hollow spaces because X-rays pass through them almost entirely.

A TSO notices a wire running along the interior edge of a laptop bag. What is the recommended first action?

Answer: Resolve the anomaly by requesting the bag be opened for physical inspection

Unresolved anomalies like suspicious wiring require a physical inspection to resolve the threat image before clearing.

Which X-ray image characteristic best helps a TSO distinguish a firearm from other metal objects?

Answer: Recognizable shape profile including barrel, trigger guard, and grip

Firearms have distinctive shape signatures including the barrel, trigger guard, and grip that are recognizable even in cluttered bags.

When should a TSO use the 'zoom' function on an X-ray workstation?

Answer: When a suspicious area needs closer examination to identify contents

The zoom function is used to magnify specific areas of concern to better identify the shape and nature of suspicious items.

What is the purpose of the 'Threat Image Projection' (TIP) system used at security checkpoints?

Answer: To insert fictional threat images into real bag scans to test TSO alertness

TIP inserts simulated threat images into actual bag X-rays to continuously evaluate and maintain TSO detection performance.

Which of the following items would most likely appear as dense blue on a standard X-ray image?

Answer: A steel knife

Metal objects like steel knives appear blue on X-ray images due to their high density and atomic number.