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Gallium Scan

Gallium Scan

A gallium scan uses a radioactive chemical to help create pictures which can show areas of possible infection, injury, inflammation or cancer. It does this by looking for areas where there is rapid cell division within the body.


A gallium scan is a type of nuclear medicine, or radionuclide scan. In a gallium scan a tiny amount of radioactive material (radionuclide) is put into the body, by an injection into a vein. The radionuclide emits a certain type of radiation called a gamma ray. This radiation is invisible to the eye; however, it can be seen by a special camera known as a gamma camera. Using this camera, pictures of specific areas of the body can be taken, as the radionuclide makes them visible. See separate leaflet called Radionuclide (Isotope) Scan for more details.


Gallium tends to concentrate in areas of the body where there is rapid cell division. This is seen on pictures taken with the gamma camera. Where large amounts are seen, this can be a sign of infection, inflammation, injury or possible cancer.

The first part of the test involves an injection of a chemical called gallium citrate into the bloodstream. Gallium citrate behaves rather like iron and some of it attaches to proteins in your blood, particularly to the protein called transferrin. It then circulates around your body with your blood and begins to collect in different parts of your body. The gallium will naturally concentrate in areas where there is inflammation or where white blood cells have collected. It can take several days for the gallium to build up, which is why the second part of the scan is done a few days later.

Gallium emits gamma rays, a type of radioactive wave. Gamma rays are similar to X-rays and are detected by a device called a gamma camera. The gamma rays which are emitted from inside the body are detected by the gamma camera, are converted into an electrical signal and are sent to a computer. The computer builds a picture by converting the differing intensities of radioactivity emitted into different colours or shades of grey.

For example, areas of the target organ or tissue which emit lots of gamma rays may be shown as red ('hot spots') on the picture on the computer monitor. Areas which emit low levels of gamma rays may be shown as blue ('cold spots'). Various other colours may be used for in-between levels of gamma rays emitted.

The test is normally done in two parts. In the first part you will receive an injection of the gallium citrate, usually into your arm. This may be a little uncomfortable as the needle is inserted but after that you will normally feel no effects. Usually, you can go home after the injection - to allow the gallium to work its way around your body.

The second part of the test involves coming back to hospital for the pictures to be taken (the scan). Depending on your hospital and the reason for doing the test, you may be asked to return for the scans to be done one day, two days, or three days after the injection.


The number of pictures taken, and the time interval between each picture, varies depending on what is being scanned. So, the whole process can take several hours. During the scan you are NOT enclosed in a tunnel.

You will not have to undress for the scan. You may be asked to remove metal objects such as keys or coins from your pockets. You may be asked to remove belts with buckles, or large necklaces.

A gallium scan can be used to:

Usually very little. Your local hospital should give you information to help you prepare for the test. As a gallium scan involves a small amount of radiation, pregnant women should not have it done. Let your doctor know if you are, or think you could be, pregnant. You should also let your doctor know if you are breast-feeding. You may be asked to stop breast-feeding for a certain length of time before and after the test.

If pictures of your tummy (abdomen) are needed, you may be given some laxative tablets before the scan. These tablets will make you go to the toilet. This helps to make the pictures clearer. If you need these tablets, you will be given them by hospital staff. You will also be given advice about when to take them.

Radionuclide scans such as a gallium scan do not generally cause any after effects. Through the natural process of radioactive decay, the small amount of radioactive chemical in your body will lose its radioactivity over time. It may also pass out of your body through your urine or poo (faeces) during the first few hours or days following the test. You may be instructed to take special precautions when urinating. These may include flushing the toilet twice and to wash your hands thoroughly.


If you are travelling abroad in the three months after your scan, ask your doctor for further advice. Ports and airports have very sensitive radiation detectors which may pick up tiny amounts of radioactivity remaining after your scan. Usually, it is possible for your hospital to provide you with a letter that you can show to officials at ports or airports. Or you could take your appointment letter with you to show you have had this scan done.

The term 'radioactivity' may sound alarming. But, the radioactive chemicals used in radionuclide scans such as a gallium scan are considered to be safe, and they leave the body quickly in the urine. The dose of radiation that your body receives is very small. In many cases, the level of radiation involved is not much different to a series of a few normal X-rays. However:


Further reading & references


Original Author:
Dr Rachel Hoad-Robson
Current Version:
Dr Mary Harding
Peer Reviewer:
Dr John Cox
Document ID:
12719 (v3)
Last Checked:
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