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Alternative Names Return to top
Gallium 67 lung scan; Lung scan; Gallium scan - lung; Scan - lungDefinition Return to top
Lung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium (Ga) to identify swelling (inflammation) in the lungs.
How the Test is Performed Return to top
Gallium is injected into a vein. The scan will be taken 6 - 24 hours after the gallium is injected. (Test time depends on whether your condition is acute or chronic).
During the test, you lie on a table that moves underneath a scanner called a gamma camera. The camera detects the rays the gallium releases. Images display on a computer screen.
During the scan, it is important that you keep still to get a clear image. The technician can help make 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, you will get an injection of gallium at the hospital or doctor's office.
Just before the scan, remove jewelry, dentures, or other metal objects that can affect the scan. Take off the clothing on the upper half of your body and put on a hospital gown.
How the Test Will Feel Return to top
The injection of gallium will sting, and the puncture site may hurt for several hours or days when touched.
The scan is painless. However, you must stay 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 Results Return to top
The lungs should appear of normal size and texture, and should take up very little gallium.
What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
Risks Return to top
There is some risk to children or unborn babies. Because a pregnant or nursing woman may pass on radiation, special precautions will be made.
For women who are not pregnant or nursing and for men, there is very little risk from the radiation in gallium, because the amount is very small. There are increased risks if you are exposed to radiation (such as x-rays, and scans) many times. Discuss any concerns you have about radiation with the health care provider who recommends the test.
Considerations Return to top
Usually the health care provider will recommend this scan based on the results of a chest x-ray. Small defects may not be visible on the scan.
Update Date: 9/13/2008 Updated by: Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
