Gallium Scan

Total Body Scan

Why It Is Done

A gallium scan is done to:

• Detect the source of an infection that is causing a fever (called a fever of unknown origin).
• Detect an abscess or certain infections, especially in the bones.
• Monitor the response to antibiotic treatment.
• Diagnose inflammatory conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis.
• Detect certain types of cancer (such as lymphoma). A gallium scan also may be done to determine whether cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body, or to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 17, 2007
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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