What is a Gallium White Cell Count (WCC) Scan?
(also known as an Infection Scan or commonly referred to as a Gallium Scan)
A gallium scan is used to detect inflammation in tissue. This can be an indication for infection or tumours. It is often used to assess the presence of bone or soft tissue infection. This test can also be used to assess and monitor patients with Lymphoma.
How long does a Gallium Scan take?
A Gallium scan requires two appointments, usually 48 hours apart. An initial injection taking 15 minutes completes the first appointment, then 48 hours later the images are taken. This component can take up to 60 minutes to complete.
What preparation is there for a Gallium Scan?
If the Gallium Scan is investigating possible bone or ulcer infection, then a recent Bone Scan needs to be completed prior to having a Gallium Scan
Otherwise there is not special preparation for this Scan. Eat and drink as normal before and after your scan. Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card
What dose a Gallium Scan involve?
Part 1: You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the body. The injection shouldn’t make you feel any different and allows images to be taken of the area of interest. This part takes 15 minutes to complete. You can go about normal activity (including eating, drinking, driving your car etc) following the injection.
Part 2: You will be given a date and time to return for Images of the body or area of interest to be taken 48 hours following the injection. These images may take up to 60 minutes to complete.
When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor please advise the staff on the day of your scan.
Are there any costs for this scan?
No, your scan will be Bulk Billed. This means there is NO out of pocket cost for you if you qualify for Medicare.