What is a gallium scan test?
A gallium scan identifies the cells that are dividing most quickly in your body. It can help detect some cancer cells. It can also help show cells that are rapidly reproducing or responding to an infection somewhere in your body. People with lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) may need gallium scans.
What does a nuclear medicine scan show?
By measuring the behavior of the radionuclide in the body during a nuclear scan, the healthcare provider can assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, infections, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan may also be used to assess organ function and blood circulation.
Is a gallium scan a PET scan?
Gallium scans are similar to PET scans. They involve the injection of gallium citrate, a radioactive tracer. Gallium scans are a multiday process and are typically performed 1 to 3 days after the tracer is administered.
What is the difference between a PET scan and a nuclear scan?
PET differs from other nuclear medicine examinations in that PET detects metabolism within body tissues, whereas other types of nuclear medicine examinations detect the amount of a radioactive substance collected in body tissue in a certain location to examine the tissue’s function.
What scan shows inflammation?
A gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that can find cancer, infection or inflammation in the body. A radiologist injects a small amount of a radioactive substance into the bloodstream. The gallium settles in areas of the body where there is inflammation or infection.
What is a nuclear medicine gallium scan?
WHAT IS A NUCLEAR MEDICINE GALLIUM SCAN? A nuclear medicine gallium scan is a type of nuclear medicine study that scans your whole body to detect infection or tumors. Gallium is taken up by many kinds of cancer cells in amounts that exceed normal uptake from normal tissue. It can be useful in detecting new infection or a cancerous tumor.
What is gallium injection?
Gallium is a radioactive metal, which is mixed into a solution. It’s injected into your arm and moves through your blood, collecting in your organs and bones. After the injection, your body will be scanned to see where and how the gallium accumulated in your body. Gallium is radioactive,…
Is gallium radioactive?
Gallium is radioactive, but the risk of radiation exposure from this procedure is lower than from an X-ray or CT scan. Aside from the injection, the test is painless and requires very little preparation.
How dangerous is a gallium scan?
The scan uses a small amount of radiation. Although large amounts of radiation can increase your risk of cancer, the exposure from a gallium scan is very small. It’s less than what is used for many types of X-rays. Your body naturally clears the gallium from your system over several days.