A gallium scan is a medical imaging test. It is a type of nuclear medicine scan that uses radioactive materials to generate images of the body. The scan is used to detect cancer, infection, or inflammation in the body. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream and the gallium will settle into parts of the body that have inflammation or infection. A special camera locates the gallium and takes images of those areas of the body.

What Does a Gallium Scan Do?

A gallium scan is used to detect cancer, infection, or inflammation in the body. When the gallium is injected into the body, it attaches itself to proteins in the blood and then collects in places where there is inflammation or infection. It is used as a diagnostic tool to determine conditions which include:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Abscesses 
• Osteomyelitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis

A gallium scan uses minimal amounts of radiation (similar amount to x-rays) and is a safe and effective diagnostic tool.

How should you prepare for a Gallium Scan?

There is not much preparation required for a gallium scan. It does not require any kind of fasting. However, it is important to tell your doctor if there is a possibility you may be pregnant. Even small amounts of radiation on an unborn child can be dangerous. Additionally, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. It may be recommended to use formula until the gallium is completely cleared from your system. Your doctor may have you take a laxative before your procedure to make sure waste in your bowels would not impede the process of the scan.

What to Expect During a Gallium Scan

The gallium scan is an outpatient procedure that may take up to 48 hours to complete. Upon arrival to the hospital, a technician will inject the gallium into a vein in your arm. You may feel a pinch or burn at the injection site. Once the injection has been administered, you are allowed to go home, and you will be instructed on when to come back for the scan. It is usually recommended to come back in 6-48 hours. This allows the gallium enough time to move through your bloodstream and accumulate in various bones or organs that have cancer, infection, or inflammation. 

When you return to the hospital, you will be asked to put on a hospital gown and remove all jewelry and anything metal. You will be asked to lie on your back and stay still for about 30-60 minutes. The scanner will move around your body while a special camera detects and takes images of where gallium has accumulated in your body.

The scan itself is a painless procedure, but some people may find laying still difficult. If you think you will have an issue with lying still, speak with your doctor. He or she may prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication. 

What Conditions are Diagnosed with a Gallium Scan?

The gallium scan is used to detect cancer, infection, or inflammation in the body. It can diagnose many conditions. Some of the conditions include:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Abscesses
• Osteomyelitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis

Results and Follow-up

After your scan, a radiologist will write up a report discussing their analysis and interpretation of the scans. The report will be sent to your doctor, and a follow-up appointment will be made to discuss the results. If gallium has collected in bones, organs, or tissues, your doctor will discuss next steps with you.

Questions to ask your doctor:

• When can I expect results?
• Where should I have the scan done?
• Are there any complications from a gallium scan?