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CT Lumbar Spine

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create image slices of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissue inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays do.

Depending on what your doctor is looking for, this test may be ordered with or without IV contrast.

What are Intravenous Contrast (IV) Media?

In order to see the blood vessels and body tissues on the scan, the technologist must inject contrast media into a vein. Some people refer to this as "dye" although it's not like the dye you might use at home. These contrast media are liquid solutions that contain iodine and show up on X-rays. It is removed from the body through the kidneys, but will not change the color of your urine.

What to Bring

  • Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
  • Personal ID
  • Insurance Card
  • Medication List
  • Any required screening forms

How to Prepare

  • Wear loose comfortable clothing and avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or belts made of metal.
  • Please leave valuable jewelry at home.
  • If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, you should inform the technologist.
  • If you are wearing an on-body medication pump, you should inform the technologist.

What to Expect

  • During the exam you will be placed on a table and positioned inside the center of a large ring-like scanner. The machine makes a minimal amount of noise and the table moves forward and backward.
  • You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the test.
  • The study is not painful.
  • You may be asked to remove clothes and to wear a gown during your exam.
  • You may be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, and any metal objects that may interfere with the images.
  • Please allow 30 minutes from registration to completion of test.
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