What a Pediatric Gallium Scan Is
A gallium scan is a multiple day nuclear medicine exam in which the patient receives an injection of the radioactive substance gallium followed by a whole or partial body scan. Gallium scans are used to identify active infections and tumors in the soft tissues of the body.
Nuclear medicine exams are unique because they provide a way to evaluate the function of various internal organs and tissues, rather than just the anatomy. Nuclear medicine scans are very safe. The patient receives a tiny amount of radioactive material so radiation exposure is minimal. The radioactive material is targeted to the specific body tissue being studied which limits exposure to other areas of the body. The energy emitted from the radioactive material is detected by a camera and used to create images which are studied by a radiologist.
RIA radiologists interpret the results of pediatric gallium scans at several Denver area hospitals.