What kind of radiation is used in a CT scan?

In a CT scan, ionizing radiation in the form of X-rays is utilized to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. This process involves a rotating gantry that emits X-ray beams as they pass through the body and are detected on the opposite side. The data collected from multiple angles is then processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional images, or slices, of the body.

Ionizing radiation carries enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, which enables it to penetrate body tissues and interact with them to produce images. While this type of radiation can be harmful if exposure levels are high or prolonged, the controlled doses used in medical imaging, including CT scans, are managed to minimize risks and maximize diagnostic benefits.

The other types of radiation mentioned, such as non-ionizing radiation, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation, do not have the same penetrating ability or the diagnostic capability inherent to X-rays used in CT technology. Non-ionizing radiation does not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms, while infrared and ultraviolet radiation operate in different energy ranges and are not suitable for this type of imaging. Thus, X-rays are the essential component responsible for the imaging capabilities of CT scans.