Nuclear Medicine

Seeing Beyond the Surface: Nuclear Medicine at Columbus Regional

Some medical conditions are hidden deep within the body—at the cellular or metabolic level—where traditional imaging can’t always reach. That’s where nuclear medicine steps in. By showing how your organs and tissues are functioning, not just how they look, nuclear medicine helps detect disease earlier and with greater accuracy.

At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, our Imaging Services Program offers a wide range of nuclear medicine tests in a safe, comfortable environment—providing powerful insight to support timely, informed care.

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What Is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a specialized type of imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material (radiotracers) to examine the function and structure of organs and tissues. These radiotracers are typically injected, swallowed, or inhaled, and then tracked by a special camera (called a gamma camera) that detects their movement through the body.

This allows your care team to detect conditions at a much earlier stage than conventional imaging might allow.

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What Can Nuclear Medicine Diagnose?

Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose, monitor, or guide treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Heart disease (such as coronary artery disease or heart failure)
• Cancer (including tumor detection and staging)
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or thyroid nodules)
• Bone problems (fractures, arthritis, infection, or cancer spread)
• Kidney and bladder function
• Lung function or blood clots (pulmonary embolism)
• Gallbladder and liver function
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Common procedures include:

• Bone scans
• Cardiac stress tests
• Thyroid scans and uptake tests
• PET scans (when part of oncology care)
• HIDA scans (for gallbladder evaluation)
• Renal scans

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What to Expect During a Nuclear Medicine Test

Your exact experience will depend on the type of scan, but here’s a general overview:

• You’ll receive a radiotracer via injection, oral dose, or inhalation
• There may be a short waiting period while your body absorbs the tracer
• You’ll lie on a scanning table while a camera records how the tracer moves through your body
• Most tests take 30–90 minutes, though some may require multiple visits
• The radiotracer is painless, low-dose, and safe, and typically leaves your body within 24 hours

Our trained technologists will guide you through every step and answer any questions you may have.

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Is It Safe?

Yes. The amount of radiation used in nuclear medicine is very small—often comparable to or lower than that of a CT scan or regular X-ray. Our team follows strict safety protocols to ensure your comfort and protection throughout the process.

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Why Choose Columbus Regional for Nuclear Medicine?

At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, we combine technology and expertise to provide the highest standard of nuclear medicine care:

• Board-certified radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians
• Accredited nuclear medicine imaging facilities
• Modern gamma cameras for high-resolution imaging
• Collaborative care with oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and other specialties
• Compassionate staff focused on patient education and comfort

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A Clearer Picture for Better Health

Nuclear medicine doesn’t just show us what’s happening—it reveals how and why. By helping detect disease earlier and monitor treatment more effectively, it plays a vital role in managing complex health conditions.

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Ask About Nuclear Medicine Services Today

If your provider recommends a nuclear medicine scan, trust the Imaging Services Program at Columbus Regional Healthcare System to deliver care that’s both cutting-edge and patient-focused. Contact us to learn more or schedule your appointment