The Transportation Security Administration has installed a new computed tomography (CT) scanner at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport to screen checked baggage. (TSA photo)
EAU CLAIRE, WI — A state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography scanner (CT) that provides 3-D imaging has been installed and is in use at the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) baggage screening area at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU).
“Installation of the explosive detection system (EDS) at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport has significantly improved our threat detection capabilities, offering the traveling public both effective and efficient checked baggage screening operations,” said TSA’s Federal Security Director for Wisconsin Mark Lendvay.
The system applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives by creating a 3-D image that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees for thorough visual image analysis by a TSA officer. If a bag requires further screening, TSA officers will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside.
This technology represents an improved security threat detection capability for the screening of contents of checked bags while at the same time reducing a touchpoint during the pandemic.
“The EDS screening technology permits our officers to electrically screen checked baggage without having to physically search a bag. Only bags that cause EDS alarms will require our TSA officers to physically open and search those checked bags in order to resolve the alarm,” said Lendvay.
CT technology should result in TSA officers needing to open fewer checked bags. For the most up-to-date information about CT and to view a video of the X-ray monitor, visit TSA’s Computed Tomography page.