Most gallium scans are ordered to detect cancerous tumors, infections, or areas of inflammation in the body. Gallium is known to accumulate in inflamed, infected, or cancerous tissues. The scans are used to determine whether a patient.
An abnormal concentration of gallium in areas other than those where it normally concentrates may indicate the presence of disease. Concentrations may be due to inflammation, infection, or the presence of tumor tissue.
Gallium scans are generally safe, but there are potential risks associated with the injection of the radioactive gallium tracer, such as allergic reactions or rare side effects like kidney or liver problems. There is also exposure to radiation, but the amount is usually minimal and considered safe. It's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before undergoing the scan.
Gallium has a low melting point of about 29.76°C (85.57°F), close to normal human body temperature. Therefore, when you hold a piece of solid gallium in your hand, the heat from your body causes it to quickly melt. This unique property makes gallium a popular demonstration material in science experiments.
Gallium is an element found in the body, but it occurs in a very small amounts. For example, in a person with a mass of seventy kilograms, there are 0.7 milligrams of gallium in the body. It has no proven benefit towards the function of the body, and it most likely is only present due to small traces in the natural environment, in water, and in residue on vegetables and fruits. Pure gallium is not a harmful substance for humans to touch. It has been handled many times only for the simple pleasure of watching it melt by the heat emitted from a human hand. However, it is known to leave a stain on hands. Even the gallium radioactive compound, gallium [67Ga] citrate, can be injected into the body and used for gallium scanning without harmful effects. Although it is not harmful in small amounts, gallium should not be purposefully consumed in large doses. Some gallium compounds can actually be very dangerous, however. For example, acute exposure to gallium(III) chloride can cause throat irritation, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and its fumes can cause even very serious conditions such as pulmonary oedema and partial paralysis Sources :http://www.lenntech.com/periodic-chart.htm
No, gallium and gallium nitrate are not the same. Gallium is a chemical element, while gallium nitrate is a compound formed by combining gallium with nitric acid. Gallium nitrate is a salt that is commonly used in medical imaging and cancer treatment.
Yes, gallium scan is a nuclear medicine scan that uses a radioactive form of gallium to detect inflammation or infection in the body. The radioactive gallium is injected into the body and then a special camera is used to create images that show the distribution of the gallium, helping to identify areas of inflammation or infection.
A gallium scan of the body is a nuclear medicine test that is conducted using a camera that detects gallium, a form of radionuclide, or radioactive chemical substance.
There is generally no aftercare required following a gallium scan. However, women who are breastfeeding who have a scan will be cautioned against breastfeeding for four weeks following the exam.
Gallium scan
An abnormal concentration of gallium in areas other than those where it normally concentrates may indicate the presence of disease. Concentrations may be due to inflammation, infection, or the presence of tumor tissue.
Gallium (Ga) is a chemical element, a metal.
Gallium scans are generally safe, but there are potential risks associated with the injection of the radioactive gallium tracer, such as allergic reactions or rare side effects like kidney or liver problems. There is also exposure to radiation, but the amount is usually minimal and considered safe. It's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before undergoing the scan.
For the study itself the patient lies very still for approximately 30-60 minutes. A camera is moved across the patient's body to detect and capture images of concentrations of the gallium. The camera picks up signals.
A radiologist trained in nuclear medicine or a nuclear medicine specialist will interpret the exam results and compare them to other diagnostic tests. It is normal for gallium to accumulate in the liver, spleen, bones, breast.
The intravenous injection of gallium is done in a separate appointment prior to the procedure. Generally, no special dietary requirements are necessary. Sometimes the physician will ask that the patient have light or clear meals.
During a gallium scan of the body, it is important to ensure that the patient is not pregnant or breastfeeding, as the procedure involves the use of a radioactive tracer. Patients should inform the healthcare provider if they have any allergies, and adequate hydration is usually recommended to help eliminate the tracer from the body. Standard radiation safety measures should be followed to protect healthcare workers and others in the vicinity.
DefinitionLung gallium scan is a type of nuclear scan that uses radioactive gallium (Ga) to identify swelling (inflammation) in the lungs.Alternative NamesGallium 67 lung scan; Lung scan; Gallium scan - lung; Scan - lungHow the test is performedGallium 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 testYou 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 feelThe 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 performedThis test is most often performed when there is evidence of inflammation in the lungs (sarcoidosis).Normal ValuesThe lungs should appear of normal size and texture, and should take up very little gallium.What abnormal results meanSarcoidosisOther respiratory infectionsOther conditions under which the test may be performed:Primary pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary embolusTumorsWhat the risks areThere 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.Special considerationsUsually 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.