CtP

CTP is an acronym that can refer to several terms across different fields. This article highlights a few of the most common uses and the contexts in which they appear.

In printing and publishing, Computer-to-Plate (CTP) refers to a workflow that transfers digital image data directly to printing plates, bypassing traditional film. This method can improve efficiency, plate quality, and color accuracy. CTP systems are available in thermal or non-thermal variants and are widely used in commercial offset printing.

In biochemistry, cytidine triphosphate (CTP) is one of the four major ribonucleoside triphosphates used by RNA polymerases to synthesize RNA. As a ribonucleotide, CTP participates in cellular metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis. It also functions as a substrate in the formation of activated phospholipid intermediates, playing a role in membrane biogenesis.

In medical imaging, computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is a functional imaging technique that measures blood flow, blood volume, and transit times in tissues. CTP helps assess tissue viability, particularly in acute stroke, by identifying areas with reduced perfusion that may be salvageable with treatment.

Context is essential for interpreting the meaning of CTP, since the acronym spans distinct technologies and disciplines. When encountering the term, identifying the field—printing, biochemistry, or medical imaging—clarifies which CTP is being referenced.