What is a Gallium Scan? Purpose | 合法藥品大搜索

A gallium scan is a diagnostic test that looks for infection, inflammation, and tumors. The scan is generally performed in the nuclear medicine department of a hospital.

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, but the risk of radiation exposure from this procedure is lower than from an X-ray[1] or CT scan[2]. Aside from the injection, the test is painless and requires very little preparation. However, the scan takes place several hours after the gallium injection, so the procedure needs to be scheduled accordingly.

Your doctor may order a gallium scan if you have unexplained pains or fever, or if there is a suspicion of cancer. Doctors also order the scan as a follow-up test for people who have been diagnosed or treated ...