Nuclear Medicine Exams

Gallium Scan

What is a Gallium Scan?

Gallium scans often are used to diagnose and follow the progression of tumors or infections.  Galluim scans also can be used to evaluate the heart, lungs, or any other organ that my be involved with inflammatory disease.

What does a Gallium Scan Entail?

A gallium scan usually requires two visits to the Nuclear Medicine Department.  On the first day, you will receive an injection in a vein in your arm.  Your visit should take about fifteen minutes and the injection will cause no more discomfort than having blood drawn.

You will be scheduled to return for imaging between two and five days later, depending on your diagnosis   Your initial scan is the longest part of the procedure and may take up to two hours.  For most gallium scans, you will lie on a stretcher or imaging table with the camera positioned above or below you.  Multiple images may be taken, or the camera may move slowly, scanning the entire length of your body.

Because gallium normally is excreted through the bowel, it may not allow us an unobstructed view of your abdomen and pelvis on the first day of imaging.  Therefore, we may ask you to return on another day for more imaging. The second set of images should take no longer than thirty minutes.  Some patients may need to return a third or fourth time.

Is Any Special Preparation Required Before Having a Gallium Scan?

No special preparation is required before the study.

If you are or suspect you might be pregnant, please tell your doctor, nurse or technician.

Breast Lymphoscintigraphy | Gated Ventriculogram
Hepatobiliary Scan | Metastatic Thyroid Scan
Thyroid Uptake and Scan | Bone Scans
Gallium Scan | Lymph Node Scan | Prostascint Scan

If You Want More Information.

Please feel free to call one of the radiology nurses at 968-1722.