Travelers either endorse the use of body scanners for aviation security or fear them due to concerns about privacy or radiation exposure. And many a traveler wonders what the TSA does with all those body scan pictures. I informally surveyed 12 experienced travelers regarding privacy concerns with the use of body scanners; most of them said safety was their main concern and did not care about TSA staff seeing their image on the monitor. A full-body scanner is a walk-in security screening device that can detect objects concealed beneath a person’s clothing. It scans the body without physically removing clothes or making physical contact. Depending on the specific technology, the operator may see an alternate-wavelength image of the person’s naked body or merely a cartoon-like representation of the person with an indicator showing the location of any suspicious items. For privacy and security reasons, the display is generally not visible to other passengers and in some cases is located in a separate room where the operator cannot see the face of the person being screened. Unlike metal detectors, full-body scanners can also detect non-metal objects, which became an increasing concern after various airliner bombing attempts. The TSA currently uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology (AIT) machines with automated target recognition software designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images. The software auto-detects items that pose a potential threat, using the same generic body outline for all passengers. All backscatter X-ray machines formerly used by the TSA were removed from airports because the vendor did not meet the deadline to implement AIT software. The installation of the millimeter wave scanners in 2013 in airports nationwide should quell the controversy over the use of full-body scanners. Millimeter wave AIT uses non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to generate a three-dimensional image of the body based on the energy reflected from the body. These waves emit 10,000 times less radio frequency energy than a cellphone call. Flying on a plane exposes you to more radiation than that in a body scanner. The TSA reports it keeps all scanned images for 24 hours and then deletes them. Travelers used to be able to opt out of a full-body scan in favor of a physical pat-down. As of December 2015, the TSA now has the authority to mandate some passengers go through a body scanner even if the travelers request a pat-down instead. Generally, passengers undergoing screening have the opportunity to decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening. However, some passengers will be required to undergo AIT screening if their boarding pass indicates they have been selected for enhanced screening, in accordance with TSA regulations, prior to their arrival at the security checkpoint. This will occur in a limited number of circumstances and will not affect the majority of passengers. The change comes at a time of heightened concern about aviation security and terrorist plots against commercial airlines. Many expectant mothers have concerns about going through screening technology. Before deploying any technology, TSA conducts a variety of tests to ensure it is safe for all passengers, including pregnant women. TSA’s advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detector systems do not use X-rays to produce the image. According to research conducted by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the Food and Drug Administration, it is safe for everyone, including pregnant women, to go through these machines. If you are pregnant and still have concerns, you can opt out of screening technology altogether and ask for a pat-down. The pat-down will be conducted by a female Transportation Security Officer who will advise you about the pat-down procedure. A physical pat-down is not done to punish anyone who opts out of imaging; TSA just wants to make sure every passenger is screened equally prior to boarding. Many travelers consider body scanning a more efficient security measure, whereas others see it as an invasion of privacy and a public health issue. If you are an individual who is exposed to radiation or X-rays on a frequent basis — such as a radiologist, X-ray technician, radiation oncology physician or critical care nurse — you may want to limit your exposure by opting out of body scanning and requesting a pat-down. If you are truly concerned about radiation exposure, you should probably think twice about flying at all, as flying at high altitudes exposes you to much more radiation than a body scanner does. Another option to consider as a frequent traveler is to register for TSA PreCheck, an expedited security-screening program for trusted travelers. Passengers considered a low security risk who qualify for the program can receive expedited screening either as a member of the program or another specific trusted traveler group. According to the TSA, “PreCheck provides trusted travelers with expedited security screening for a better travel experience. You can plan your travel with confidence and enjoy a more predictable experience. It is a convenient, more efficient security screening process. It is available at more than 150 airports with 12 participating airlines.” The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.