It is a nuclear medicine test used for medical imaging. This test is a PET scan used to detect abnormalities in certain areas of the body.

Gallium-68 is a stable form of gallium, a radioactive isotope. This isotope is injected into the body and accumulates in certain organs through the bloodstream. These organs are usually areas where abnormalities such as infections, inflammations or tumours are present.

The gallium-68 test is particularly used to diagnose diseases such as lymphoma, thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumours and sarcoidosis. This test can also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread or responded to treatment.

The gallium-68 test is performed using a special device called a PET scanner. This device detects gallium-68 that has accumulated in the body and produces images. These images help to detect abnormalities and formulate a treatment plan.

The gallium-68 test is more sensitive and specific than other imaging methods. However, it carries some risks due to the injection of a radioactive substance, and therefore, the patient’s health condition and medical history should be carefully evaluated before the test is performed.

How is the Gallium-68 Test performed?

It is a medical imaging test and is performed using specialised equipment and a radioactive substance. The test is usually performed by a nuclear medicine specialist. The procedure usually consists of the following steps:

1. Preparation: Before the test, the patient’s health condition and medical history are carefully assessed. Necessary measures are taken to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and relaxed during the test.

2. Injection of Radioactive Material: For the gallium-68 test, gallium-68, a radioactive substance, is injected into the patient’s veins. This substance accumulates in different parts of the body through the bloodstream.

3. Waiting Time: After the injection of the radioactive substance, the patient may need to wait for a certain period of time. During this time, the radioactive material accumulates in different parts of the body.

4. Imaging: After the waiting period is over, the patient is placed in a PET scanner. This scanner detects the gallium-68 that has accumulated in different parts of the body and produces images. These images help the doctor to detect abnormalities and create the treatment plan.

The gallium-68 test usually takes about 1-2 hours. The radiation dose is quite low and is usually safe. However, the injection of radioactive material may cause some side effects, such as headache, nausea and vomiting. It is therefore important to monitor patients before and after the test.