Hardware and software options of the GE 8800 CT scanner were analyzed with respect to their effect on image quality for multiplanar images. Phantom studies were undertaken to demonstrate the effect of collimation, thick pixel reconstruction, and interpolation of both high- and low-contrast multiplanar images. Noise and spatial resolution were measured. Thick pixel reconstruction was found to be most useful in aiding in the delineation of low-contrast lesion boundaries. In addition, this option permits use of lower techniques, thus speeding data acquisition and reducing patient dose. Clinical examples are included.