What does the term "post-processing" refer to in CT imaging?

The term "post-processing" in CT imaging specifically refers to the modifications made to the image data after acquisition. This process occurs after the images are captured and can include various techniques aimed at enhancing image quality, adjusting contrast, improving resolution, or applying specific algorithms to better visualize anatomical structures or pathologies.

Post-processing techniques, such as reformatting or 3D reconstruction, allow radiologists to analyze the data in different planes or perspectives that were not originally captured during the scan. It is a critical aspect of CT imaging because it aids in providing clearer and more informative images for diagnosis.

The other options pertain to different aspects of the imaging process. For instance, the removal of a contrast agent is related to the physical aspects of managing the patient’s experience rather than modifying acquired images. The initial setup of the CT machine is about preparing for the scan, and the physical storage of images deals with how images are stored rather than altering their data. Thus, modifications after image acquisition distinctly define post-processing in the realm of CT imaging.