Lower Back CT Scans; Dose Estimates

["James G. Barnes" <james.g.barnes@att.net>]

Good afternoon,

One of our mechanics has a back problem and is scheduled to receive what he
describes as a "Spiral CT discogram."  Apparently the process involves the
use of a CT of the lower back to position a needle in a damaged vertebral
disc.  An irritant and dye mixture is then injected into the area, and then
another CT is taken.

He would like to know what the typical radiation dose would be for such a
procedure.

Thanks,

Jim Barnes, CHP
Radiation Safety Officer
Rocketdyne/Boeing



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