General

Synonym/Acronym:
Ga scan.

Rationale
To assist in diagnosing, evaluating, and staging tumors and in detecting areas of infection, inflammation, and abscess.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. If an abdominal abscess or infection is suspected, laxatives or enemas may be ordered before imaging at 48 or 72 hr after the injection. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• Normal distribution of gallium; some localization of the radionuclide within the liver, spleen, bone, nasopharynx, lacrimal glands, breast, and bowel is expected.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A