Gallium scans are used to detect inflammatory or infectious conditions as well as different forms of cancer.
If your doctor has prescribed a Gallium scan, you should plan on at least three different appointments for images. On your first visit, you will have an injection of a radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. Your second visit may occur as early as the next day, or up to three days later, depending on the reason your doctor ordered the Gallium scan. Generally, the day after your second visit, you will be asked to return for additional images. The third visit will take approximately one hour. You may be asked to return for delayed images, again, the day after your third visit.
Preparation
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You may eat your usual diet.
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You may continue with your regular medications.
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Please do not schedule any exams using barium within 48 hours of your first visit. If you do schedule a Gallium scan and a barium exam the same day, the barium exam may be performed the same day as your initial appointment for the Gallium scan.
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If you are having a Gallium exam to stage lymphomas, you should not receive chemotherapy for four weeks prior to the exam. You may have chemotherapy the day after you receive the Gallium tracer.
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If you have x-ray, CT scan or MRI films or reports from exams not performed at Beaumont Hospitals or one of its satellites, please bring them with you the day of your appointment.
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Remember to bring the written order (prescription), for this test, given to you by your doctor.
Precautions
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Patients of childbearing age should review the pregnancy and breastfeeding guidelines.