A method and apparatus for detecting concealed items on or in an object by utilizing a low Z material panel. The object to be scanned is located between an x-ray detector and the low Z material panel. The method includes producing a pencil beam of x-rays from an x-ray source directed toward the object, scanning the beam of x-rays over the object, and detecting x-rays scattered from the beam of x-rays as a result of interacting with the object and the low Z material panel. The apparatus includes an x-ray source to produce a pencil beam of x-rays directed toward the object, a scanner to scan the beam of x-rays over the object, and the detector to detect x-rays scattered from the beam of x-rays as a result of interacting with the object and the low Z material panel.