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The Gallium Scan is a diagnostic imaging test used to detect inflammation, infection, or cancer in the body. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive substance and scanning the body after a few hours or days. The cost of this test varies depending on the hospital and location.
Understanding the normal scan patterns helps doctors evaluate your condition properly. The test is usually safe, with minor risks like mild radiation exposure or slight discomfort during the injection.
What is the Gallium Scan?
A Gallium scan is a type of imaging test that helps doctors detect cancer, infections, or inflammation in the body. During the procedure, a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance, called gallium, travels to areas of your body where there's inflammation or infection. A special camera then captures detailed images of these areas, helping doctors identify any issues.
Why is the Gallium Scan Test Done?
Using a gallium scan, you can determine the following:
- Hodgkin lymphoma (it is a type of cancer).
- Osteomyelitis infection(bone infection).
- Abscess (collection of pus).
- Inflammatory diseases (for example, pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis).
When a person develops a fever for an unidentified reason, the test is frequently utilized. After the therapy, it routinely searches for any leftover cancer cells.
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If gallium is detected outside the usual areas, it may indicate:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tumors (including Hodgkin disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
The test is also commonly used to check for lung-related issues, such as:
- Primary pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs)
- Respiratory infections, especially Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma affecting the lungs
- Lung tumors
How is the Gallium Test Performed?
- For the Gallium scan test, your vein will get an injection of gallium. Gallium is a radioactive substance. Gallium circulates in the blood and accumulates in bones and certain organs.
- Your doctor will advise you to schedule a later appointment for the scan. The scan will happen six to forty-eight hours after the gallium injection.
- The length of the test is determined by the condition your doctor is checking for. People have occasionally been scanned more than once.
- The scanning table is where you will be lying on your back. Where the gallium has amassed in the body is discovered using a specialized camera.
- The 30- to 60-minute scan requires you to remain still.
- The injection will cause a strong prick to occur in your skin. For a few minutes, the area can hurt.
- Holding motionless throughout the scan is the most difficult aspect. The scan itself causes no discomfort. Before the scan starts, the technician can assist in making you more comfortable.
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How Should I Prepare for the Gallium Test?
The test can be impacted by bowel feces. The night before the exam, you might need to take a laxative. You might also have an enema one to two hours before the exam. You can eat and drink liquids.
A consent form needs to be signed by you. Before the exam, you must remove any jewelry and metal items.This helps ensure the test results aren't affected by stool in the intestines.
If you're pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor.
Purpose of gallium scan tests involving radiation is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it's best to avoid them for very young children when possible.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the Gallium Scan Test?
There is very little risk of radiation exposure. This risk is lower than that associated with CT or X-rays. If at all possible, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young infants should avoid radiation exposure.
A gallium scan procedure is very safe , but like any medical test, it comes with some risks. These are rare and may include:
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Nausea
The risks of a gallium scan may vary based on your age and other health conditions, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Pregnant women should avoid the scan if possible, as it may not be safe for the developing baby.
How Do I Understand My Gallium Test Results?
- Normal Results: Gallium normally collects in bones, the liver, the spleen, the large bowel, and breast tissue.
- Abnormal Results: Gallium detected outside normal areas can be a sign of:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tumors, including Hodgkin disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- The test may be done to look for lung conditions such as:
- Primary pulmonary hypertension
- Pulmonary embolism
- Respiratory infections, most often Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma of the lung Tumors in the lung
Important Information
A gallium scan won't always detect all tumors. The scan could reveal inflammatory lesions, such as recent surgical scars. But they don't always mean you have an infection.
**Note- Gallium scan test costs in India at different locations may vary
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When is the Gallium Scan Needed?
- When doctors suspect infections in soft tissues, bones, or organs that other scans don't show clearly.
- To detect inflammation due to autoimmune disorders like sarcoidosis.
- To help identify the spread (metastasis) of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin's disease or lymphoma.
- To monitor the effectiveness of ongoing cancer treatment.
Who Should Take the Gallium Scan?
- Patients with unexplained fever or chronic infections not responding to treatment.
- Individuals being evaluated for cancer staging or recurrence.
- Those with suspected bone infections (osteomyelitis) or abscesses.
- Patients with inflammatory lung or lymph node conditions under investigation.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the Gallium Scan and How?
- No fluid or tissue sample is collected. Instead, a small amount of radioactive gallium is injected into a vein, usually in the arm.
- The gallium travels through the bloodstream and attaches to areas of inflammation, infection, or tumor cells.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the Gallium Scan?
- There are no alternative sample collection methods for a gallium scan. The standard method is a gallium injection followed by full-body imaging with a special gamma camera.
How Long Does the Gallium Scan Take?
- The gallium injection takes only a few minutes.
- Imaging is done 6 to 72 hours after injection, depending on the condition.
- Each scan session may take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being examined.
When Will I Get My Gallium Scan Results?
You will usually receive your Gallium Scan results within 12 to 24 hours after the scan is completed. Reports are shared directly with you via WhatsApp or provided as a printed copy. Once available, your doctor will review the findings and advise you on the next steps based on the scan results.
What Should I Do After Getting My Gallium Scan Results?
- Discuss the results with your doctor to understand the diagnosis or treatment progress.
- If abnormal areas are detected, you may be advised to undergo further tests or begin treatment.
- In case of infection or inflammation, medication adjustments or specialist referrals might be recommended.
Is the Gallium Scan Painful?
- The procedure itself is generally painless.
- You may feel a mild pinch during the injection of gallium.
- The scan involves lying still, which may cause minor discomfort if it takes a long time, but no pain is involved.
What are the Factors Affecting Gallium Scan Cost?
- Type of hospital or diagnostic center (private vs government).
- City or region where the scan is conducted.
- Whether contrast agents, radiologist fees, or additional scans are included.
- Need for urgent scheduling or repeated imaging sessions.
How Much Does the Gallium Scan Cost in India?
The average cost of a Gallium Scan in India can vary depending on the hospital and the city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Smoking, secondhand smoke inhalation, fever, or rapid breathing can all impact test results.
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Red top tube with no additive.
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The radial artery.
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Intermittently, up to every 10 minutes.
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Infection at the puncture site, distorted anatomy, presence of AV fistula, or peripheral vascular disease in the limb.
To assess severe respiratory/lung conditions like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or obstructive sleep apnea.
