(Computed tomography number) The CT number is a selectable scan factor based on the Hounsfield scale. Each elemental region of the CT image (pixel) is expressed in terms of Hounsfield units (HU) corresponding to the x-ray attenuation (or tissue density).
CT numbers are displayed as gray-scale pixels on the viewing monitor. White represents pixels with higher CT numbers (bone). Varying shades of gray are assigned to intermediate CT numbers e.g., soft tissues, fluid and fat. Black represents regions with lower CT numbers like lungs and air-filled organs.

(HU) [CT scanner display unit] The arbitrary scale is defined by air, which has a CT number of -1000 HU, and water, with a CT number of 0 HU. It is named after Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, who developed the first clinical CT scanner.

See also Hounsfield Scale.

Linearity is a property of a system, characterized by output that is directly proportional to the input.
In computed tomography (CT), linearity describes the amount to which the CT number of a material is exactly proportional to the density of this material (in Hounsfield units). This accuracy between the linear attenuation coefficient and the CT number is also utilized to describe the performance of a CT scanner.
The linearity of a gamma camera is a measure of the geometrical correctness of the images.

(MIP) CT Angiography images can be processed by maximum intensity projection to interactively viewing volumes of data, where the CT number of each pixel is given by the minimum CT number through the volume. The MIP connects the high intensity dots of the blood vessels in three dimensions, providing an angiogram that can be viewed from any projection. Each point in the MIP represents the highest intensity experienced in that location on any partition within the imaging volume. For complete interpretation the base slices should also be reviewed individually and with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) software. The MIP can then be displayed in a Cine format or filmed as multiple images acquired from different projections.

Noise is an undesirable background interference or disturbance that affects image quality. The image noise is commonly characterized by the standard deviation of CT numbers in the image of a uniform object (phantom - generally water) relative to the difference in CT numbers between water and air.
Noise is an important limiting factor of CT image quality and is characterized by a grainy appearance, sometimes described as a salt and pepper pattern. Noise as a result of low radiation dose requires a higher tube current (mA) in combination with narrow slices to maintain image noise at an acceptable level.