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Table 1 Example technical factor settings for spinal CT. There is large variability in the literature and authoritative suggestions are not possible. For obese patients the mA (and possibly kV) has to be increased, often to the maximal setting. For targeted limited examinations of the lumbar and thoracic spine the cervical presents can be used

From: Technical aspects of CT imaging of the spine

 

kV

mAs

Detector collimation [mm]

Pitch

Reconstructed slice thickness [mm]

Single-slice CT

Cervical spine

120

240

3

1-1.5

3

Thoracic & lumbar spine

140

280

(3-)5

1-1.5

3

Four-slice CT

Cervical spine

140

200

1

1

1.25-2

Thoracic & lumbar spine

140

300

1-2.5

1-1.5

1.25-2

16-slice CT

Cervical spine

120

330

0.75

0.5

1

Thoracic & lumbar spine

120

380

0.75–1.5

0.5

1–1.5

64-slice CT

Cervical spine

120

330

0.6

0.9

1

Thoracic & lumbar spine

120

380

0.6–1.25

0.9

1–1.5