Is the CT beam well collimated?

• A. Sometimes
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. True

Answer: (D)

CT imaging relies on shaping and limiting the X-ray beam so it matches the slice being imaged. This is done with collimators that restrict the beam along the z-axis to the intended slice thickness, which reduces patient dose and minimizes scatter, while still delivering enough photons for good image quality. Bow-tie filters and detector-matched collimation ensure the beam profile stays appropriate across the scan, keeping the exposure well controlled and consistent from one acquisition to the next. Because these design features are standard in CT, the beam is considered well collimated. Options suggesting it’s only sometimes, not specified, or false don’t fit CT practice since collimation is a deliberate, regular part of how CT scans are performed.