The machine is often described as looking like a “donut” with a bed sliding through a circular hole.

You will be asked to lie down on a white hard board called a calibration phantom which helps collect the data for the examination. The bed will move during the scan.

The X-rays are emitted from the CT machine and pass through the lumbar spine and hips to create images of this area of anatomy.

There is no special preparation to be followed.

The scan usually takes only 5 minutes to perform. Patients are then asked to wait for the radiographer to receive their results which can take another 10 to 15 minutes. You will then be advised to take these results with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

This examination uses X-rays therefore you will need to inform the radiographer before performing the exam if you are pregnant or if there is any possibility you are pregnant.