A common factor between most security x-ray systems and x-ray machines used in the medical industry is that they both utilize x-ray technology.
Though both are used to see things that are not obvious to the naked eye, the two technologies work using different types of x-ray scanning.
Based on these differences, scans can reveal different degrees of detail, making each type more suitable for its specific use.
How Medical X-Ray Scanning Works
Medical x-ray scanning machines used for scans such as radiography, fluoroscopy, and CT scans all use ionizing radiation to generate an image of the body at the point it is being scanned.
This happens when an x-ray beam is directed into the body and the reaction of those rays is recorded as they either bounce off certain body parts or are absorbed by others.
The pattern of absorption or deflection is recorded by the machine and through software interpretation, those patterns create the x-ray image of bones, soft tissue, and anything else present in the body, in relative detail.
How X-Ray Security Scanning Works
On the other hand, while x-ray security scanning works in basically the same way, it is done by utilizing ionizing radiation in a different way.
There are two types of body scanning machines used in most instances, backscatter and millimeter wave machines, and they each work by bouncing x-rays off the body with only minimal absorption of the energy while the software measures the ways the x-rays bounce off the body.
In this sense, it is possible for security scans to generate a more vague image of the body that includes shapes that can be interpreted as some body parts and other items, but without quite the same amount of image detail.
In addition, both backscatter and millimeter wave security x-ray systems deliver a minute dose of radiation in comparison to medical systems.
Each Type Needed For Each of Their Individual Usages
Due to the amount of detail that is possible and necessary with medical x-ray, it is invaluable as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
The main disadvantage to its use is that medical x-ray creates a higher exposure to radiation than x-ray security scanning systems.
Security systems, to which a person might have many more exposures, were designed to provide just enough detail to be effective while limiting the amount of radiation delivered to the person it is being used on.
X-ray security scanning is also easier to operate over medical x-ray systems and can be operated by staff without medical training, who are simply trained in how to work the scanning unit.
In Summary
Based on the numerous safety factors, combined with the ability to protect personal privacy better, security x-ray systems offer a more useful, safer, and legal solution for security scanning at corrections facilities and other places.