back to Nuclear Medicine

Gallium Scan

A gallium scan identifies the site of infection and tumors in your body.

Preparation:  There is no preparation for this study.

Procedure:  A tracer (radioactive substance) is injected in a vein, followed by imaging in one to three days.  The injection for this scan takes about five minutes.  When you return in one to three days, imaging will last approximately one to two hours.

A radiologist will read your study and send a report to your physician.  Your physician will then discuss the results with you.