Gallium Scan Exam Prep
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Gallium Scan Locations
Find out when you book
Medically reviewed by Dr. Eric Lenza, MDCM, MSc, FRCPC
What is a gallium scan?
A gallium scan is a nuclear medicine exam primarily used to check for infection in the body or look for some types of cancer. Your healthcare practitioner might also order a gallium scan to assess treatments for infection or cancer.
How does a gallium scan work?
Gallium scans use a radiotracer containing a small amount of radioactive material that binds to certain proteins in the blood. Gallium accumulates in areas of the body with increased blood flow or higher cellular activity.
How do I prepare for a gallium scan?
No special preparation is required for a gallium scan. Eat and take any medications as normal.
Will I need any other imaging after my gallium scan?
In most cases, you will require a bone scan first. If there are any abnormalities, the bone scan will provide more detail about the location. Additional imaging depends on the medical history provided by your healthcare practitioner.
What to Expect During a Gallium Scan
A gallium scan is a two-part exam. You will have to come to the clinic on two different days.
Day One: Injection
- When you come for your first appointment, a technologist will go through your medical history and explain the procedure.
- You’ll receive an injection of the radiotracer through an intravenous (IV) line.
- This appointment will take about 15 minutes.
- Afterward, you may leave the clinic and go about your daily activities.
Day Two: Imaging
- The second part of the exam is done two days later.
- This gives time for the radiotracer to accumulate in any abnormal areas.
- During this appointment, you’ll lie on the scanner bed as the cameras rotate around you.
- The cameras will detect gamma rays from the radiotracer inside your body. A computer uses those signals to produce 2D and 3D images.
- This appointment will take about an hour.