Gallium Scan

What is a gallium scan?

A gallium scan is a nuclear medicine test performed at Piedmont Healthcare that uses a scanner to take pictures of certain tissues or structures in the body. The scans are used to diagnose areas of infection, inflammation or tumors.

You will have an IV inserted in your hand or lower arm to inject a radioactive substance. There is no danger to you or anyone else during this time. It takes several days for the radioactive material to accumulate in body tissues, and you must return at different intervals during a 72-hour period to receive additional scans. You will also be given a bowel prep on the day of the procedure.