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Ency. home > Test > G > Gallium (Ga.) scan

Gallium (Ga.) scan   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Liver gallium scan; Bony gallium scan

Definition:

A nuclear medicine examination which makes use of gallium (a radioactive material) to look for areas of occult (hidden) infection in the body.

How the Test is Performed

The night before the test, a laxative may be necessary to clean out the bowel so that the stool does not interfere with the test. An enema may instead be given 1 to 2 hours before the test. Remove all jewelry and metal objects.

A rubber strap (tourniquet) is tied around the upper arm to help locate the vein, and the gallium is injected into the vein.

You return to the hospital for the scan. The scan is taken with a special camera that detects where the gallium has accumulated in the body. If acute inflammatory disease is suspected, the scan is performed 4 to 6 hours after injection; otherwise the scan is taken 24 to 48 hours (occasionally 72 hours) after the injection. During the scan, which takes 30 to 60 minutes, the patient must remain still. This test usually does not require a stay in the hospital.

How to Prepare for the Test

Besides taking a laxative the night before the injection of gallium, there are no special preparations. Food and liquids are not restricted. You must sign a consent form.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

The enema may be uncomfortable but does not cause pain. The injection will feel like a sharp prick, and the site may be tender to the touch for a few minutes.

The hardest part of the scan is holding still, as the scan itself is painless. Before the scan, some adjustments may be made to make the patient more comfortable.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be performed in the search for an unknown source of fevers. Gallium collects in areas of inflammation, which may be due to an abscess or tumor. Combined with other imaging, such as computed tomography, small occult disease may be detected.

Ency. home > Test > G > Gallium (Ga.) scan

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