Gallium Scan: Results


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Results


A gallium scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses a special camera to take pictures of certain tissues in the body after a radioactive tracer (radionuclide or radioisotope) makes them visible. The results of a gallium scan are usually available within 2 days after the scans are completed.

Gallium scan
Normal:

The collection and activity of gallium in the bones, liver, spleen, and large intestine (colon) is normal. No areas of unusual gallium accumulation are seen.

Abnormal:

An abnormally high gallium accumulation (hot spot) is present in one or more areas of the body, possibly indicating inflammation, infection, or a tumor.



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Last updated: January 17, 2007
Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology, Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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