GALLIUM SCAN

A gallium scan is a nuclear imaging test that uses gallium, a radioactive substance that is designed to build up at sites of tumors or areas of chronic infection. A scan will show these problem areas as bright spots on an image and provide information that may help your physician detect, diagnose and treat cancer, infection or inflammation inside the body.

What should I expect?

A gallium scan often requires multiple visits to our facility for imaging. During your first visit, your technologist will inject a small amount of gallium into your vein. After your injection, you will be asked to return one, two or three days later for your imaging test. You will be asked to return for imaging at 24 and 48 hours after the injection and rarely you may be asked to return for a 72 hour scan.