Before the CT Spine Scan

Before a patient can undergo a CT scan, he or she must obtain a written referral from their general physician stating why the patient requires the scan. The patient will then undergo the CT scan at either a hospital or at an outpatient radiology center.

Prior to the actual CT scan, some patients may require an injection of a contrast material, such as barium, to increase visibility. This contrast material has a different opacity than the soft tissues of the body, and will make the soft tissues “stand out” on the CT images. Contrast material is injected into the patient through a small needle attached to an intravenous line. This intravaneous line is inserted into a vein in the hand or arm. In some cases, the contrast material may be given by mouth or through an enema. Sometimes, all three methods of contrast material are used.

For scans of the lower spine, contrast material is injected into the spinal canal, the cavity that contains the spinal cord. This process is called a lumbar puncture. This contrast material will help the radiologist detect tumors, inflammation and/or nerve compression.