Imaging Services

Diagnostic Radiology is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury.

Specialized x-ray examinations of certain parts of the body are performed by the radiologist with the assistance of a registered nurse and registered technologists. Interventional Radiology procedures available at Columbus Regional Hospital include:

• PICC Lines (permanent catheters placed for use of medication administration)
• Myelography (special spine exam) 
• Biopsies
• Kyphoplasty (repair of compressed vertebral bodies)
• Nephrostomy (external tube placement in the kidney)

Comprehensive breast health services are provided through a full range of state-of-the-art equipment for all major breast-imaging procedures.

Columbus Regional Health's Breast Health Center is excited to offer 3D mammography (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or "tomo"), an exam that allows doctors to see masses and distortions associated with cancers significantly more clearly than conventional 2D mammography. Instead of viewing all of the complexities of your breast tissue in a flat image, as with conventional 2D mammography, fine details are more visible and no longer hidden by the tissue above or below.

Advanced technology used to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities in the breast. Breast MRI is performed when your doctor needs more information than a mammogram, ultrasound or clinical exam can provide.

With MRI, sectional images of the body are obtained by using a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer. MRI services at the hospital include all body parts (head, spine, extremity, MRA, soft tissue neck, abdomen, pelvis, etc.).

A machine is used to produce high frequency sound waves that are transmitted through a hand-held transducer into the body.

During a CT Scan a computerized x-ray unit obtains pictures of sections of the anatomy. CT scanning services include orthopedic, neurologic, abdominal, facial, pelvic, and peripheral scanning as well as CT guided biopsies. Our 265 slice CT scan reduces patient dose and provides superior image quality.

Columbus Regional Hospital offers PET/CT scanning technology that combines two separate diagnostic tests into one unit to provide faster scan times and higher-quality images. PET/CT helps in the early diagnosis of cancer and heart disease.

Imaging technologies such as PET and CT exams have become essential tools for medical professionals. By providing a detailed picture of the body’s internal structures, these tools help physicians to diagnose and treat many medical conditions more accurately than ever before.

We strive to provide the latest and most advanced imaging technologies at our center. That's why Columbus Regional Health has introduced an upgraded positron emission tomography (PET) scan machine to its compliment of imaging technology services.

This PET/CT scanner, the uMI 550, offers exceptional imaging quality, lower radiation dose levels and faster scan times. This model can also perform additional diagnostic PET or CT scans and utilizes digital self-gating to visual PET tumor motion.

Imaging and radiology experts at CRH utilize this technology in a variety of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic testing and treatment services and options.

At Columbus Regional Health, we take pride in providing our patients with the highest levels of patient care. That’s why we use state of the art equipment that offers industry-leading image quality. Because the image quality of our system is so high, your physicians can obtain more clinical information than previous SPECT systems to provide a more accurate picture of your health.

What is a SPECT exam?

A SPECT exam is a type of medical imaging that shows biological functions and detailed anatomical structures together. It tells us how your organs and tissue function. Using a small dose of radioactive material called a radioisotope, images are obtained related to the function of various body systems. SPECT, planar, and whole body imaging is provided.

Is it safe?

SPECT scans use invisible beams of ionizing radiation that pass through the body to create an image. At our facility, we are dedicated to the highest levels of patient safety— which is why our healthcare team selected technology that uses very low doses of radiation while maintaining excellent image quality.

What will happen at my appointment?

You’ll be asked to change into a gown; then you will lie down on a patient table. The table will move slowly through the gantry (the large doughnut-type shape). Once you are in the correct position, your technologist may ask you to hold your breath or not to move. You’ll hear a low whirring sound during the exam.

Your SPECT Exam Checklist

• Remove all metal objects, such as a belt or jewelry.
• Bring images from previous examination (including X-rays) with you.
• Ask your physician if your examination requires contrast. If it does, find out how many hours you will need to fast before the examination.
• Let your physician know if you have had previous allergic reactions.