The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this week that it is unveiling CT scanners at airports throughout the United States to scan carry-on luggage and improve the detection of “critical explosives and other threat items.”
Back in 2017, TSA began testing CT scanning equipment at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Logan International Airport in Boston. A unit was also installed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for additional testing. Scanners are now being deployed to 12 other airports, including Chicago's O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport in St. Louis.
“TSA is committed in getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Use of CT technology substantially improves TSA’s threat detection capability at the checkpoint,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a prepared statement. “By leveraging strong partnerships with industry, we are able to deploy new technology quickly and see an immediate improvement in security effectiveness.”
More than 145 airports will be using CT scanners to check carry-on luggage by the end of fiscal year 2019. According to the TSA, if the equipment works as planned, passengers may be able to leave laptops and liquids inside their carry-on luggage when going through security.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.