MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lung gallium (Ga.) scan

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Lung gallium (Ga.) scan

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Gallium injection

Alternative names Return to top

Gallium 67 lung scan; Lung scan; Gallium scan - lung; Scan - lung

Definition Return to top

This is a type of nuclear scan involving radioactive gallium, which helps determine whether a patient has inflammation in the lungs.

How the test is performed Return to top

Gallium is injected into a vein. After about 6 hours for an acute (active) infection, or 24-hours for a chronic problem, the scan will take place. You lie on a movable table that will be positioned under the scanner (gamma camera). The camera detects the gamma rays emitted by the gallium.

The information is then transmitted to a computer, which displays the image on the screen. The technician can move the scanner to get a clearer picture.

During the scan, it is important to remain still to get a clear image. The technician can assist in making you comfortable before the scan begins. The test will take about 30-60 minutes.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

You must sign an informed consent form. Several hours to 1 day before the scan, the injection of gallium will be administered to you at the hospital or doctor's office.

Just before the scan, remove jewelry, dentures, or other metal objects that can affect the scan. Replace the clothing on the upper half of your body with a hospital gown.

For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experiences. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

The injection of gallium will sting, and the puncture site may hurt when touched for several hours or days. The scan is painless; however, you must remain still. This may cause discomfort for some patients. The wait between the injection and scan can cause some patients to become agitated.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test is most often performed when there is evidence of inflammation in the lungs (sarcoidosis).

Normal Values Return to top

The lungs should appear of normal size and texture with little uptake of gallium.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

sarcoidosis
other respiratory infections

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are Return to top

There is some risk to children or fetuses. A pregnant or nursing woman may pass on radiation, so special precautions will be made for patients in those conditions who need the scan.

For nonpregnant or nonnursing women, and for men, there is very little risk from the radiation in gallium, because the amount is very small. There are increased risks with numerous exposures to radiation (such as X-rays, and scans), which you should discuss with the health care provider who recommends the test.

Special considerations Return to top

Usually a chest X-ray will indicate the need for this scan. Small defects may not be visible.

Update Date: 10/17/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Brown, M.D., Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Lous, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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