Gallium scans are used to look at the function of lymph nodes in a person’s body. It involves injecting a radioactive liquid (known as a tracer) in a person’s arm, where the tracer circulates through the blood stream. The tracer slowly gathers in areas that are infected or inflamed, which displays through the scan.

We use a special camera to produce images of where the Gallium has collected

There are no known side effects from having this scan. The substance we inject will not make you sleepy nor will it prevent you from driving a car.

Important

You should not have a Gallium scan if you are pregnant, or if you think you might be pregnant. Please tell us before the test if you are pregnant, if you are breast-feeding or have very young children.

Scan process

You will need to visit the hospital every day for four days:

1. On your first day, we will give you an injection of Gallium in your arm. This appointment should only last for about half an hour
2. On your next visit, we will capture the first series of pictures through the scan. This will take approximately 40 minutes and you will need to keep still
3. Your third visit will be the same as your second visit
4. Your fourth and final visit will be the same as your third and second visit.

After your visits have finished, we will let you know of the scan outcome.