Gallium Scan

What is a Gallium Scan

A gallium scan is used to detect inflammation in the body. This can be an indication for infection or some tumours. It is often used to assess the presence of bone or soft tissue infection.

Please advise us beforehand

Please make staff aware if

• you are or think you could be pregnant.
• you are breastfeeding, claustrophobic and/or if you are the primary/sole carer for small children when you book your appointment so that we can advise you of any necessary safety precautions.
• you have had any reactions to injections used for imaging.
• Please notify staff if you have or have not had a recent bone scan.

Please bring any previous nuclear medicine scans or any other scans relating to the current problem.

Preparation

No preparation

How long does a Gallium Scan take

A Gallium scan will require multiple visits to our Practice.

In the first visit you will attend for approximately 15 minutes to receive the radioactive injection. The second visit 24-48 hours later, the scans are commenced and can take up to 60 minutes. Occasionally, you may be required for a third visit to the practice for additional delayed images which can take 15-45 minutes.

The Gallium Scan procedure

Part 1: You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the body. The injection shouldn’t make you feel any different and allows images to be taken of the area of interest. This part takes 15 minutes to complete. You can go about normal activity (including eating, drinking, driving your car etc) following the injection.

Part 2: Images of the body or area of interest are taken 24-48 hours following the injection. These images may take up to 60 minutes to complete.

Part 3: Depending on the area of interest, subsequent images may be required up to 2 weeks following the injection. These images take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

After your examination

Eat and drink as normal before and after your scan.

Resume normal activities (including driving) following your injection.

What happens to my results, Images and report

All images for your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal soon after your examination is complete. A report that includes a link to your study will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP Imaging will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Normal and abnormal studies are both important for your management and PRP Imaging encourages you to return to your doctor for review of the results.