scan

A picture of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body.

In an electro-magnetic or acoustic search, one complete rotation of the antenna.

To examine sequentially, part by part. 2. To examine every reference in every entry in a file routinely as part of a retrieval scheme. 3. In radar, one complete rotation of the interrogating antenna. 4. In SONAR, to search 360° or a specific search sector by the use of phased array of transducers. 5. To sweep, i.e., rotate, a beam about a point or about an axis.