Question 1

How do I prepare for a Gallium PET-CT?

Accepted Answer

Imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive gallium to locate neuroendocrine or prostate tumors.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a Gallium PET-CT?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** In general, prolonged fasting is not strictly necessary for this test, although some centres recommend a light fast from solid food of 2 to 4 hours. It is highly recommended to drink plenty of plain water before coming to stay well hydrated.
• **Medication:** If the study is for neuroendocrine tumours, the centre may ask you to pause specific treatments (such as somatostatin analogues) weeks beforehand. However, any decision to stop, continue or adjust your usual medication must always be discussed with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose and preferably warm clothing, as PET-CT rooms are usually kept cold. There is a strict restriction on metal: do not wear garments with zips, underwiring or fasteners, and you will have to remove all jewellery, piercings, hairpins and watches before entering the scanner.
• **Specific Requirements:** Unlike the glucose PET (FDG), you do not need to follow a carbohydrate-free diet in the days before or restrict physical exercise. On the day of the test, after the radiopharmaceutical is injected, you will have to rest quietly for about 45 to 60 minutes. You do not need to come with a companion unless you suffer from claustrophobia and need sedation. After the test, it is essential to drink plenty of water to eliminate the tracer in the urine and keep a sensible distance from pregnant women and young children for the following 6 to 8 hours.
• **Discomfort or pain after the test:** The procedure is completely painless. You will only feel a slight prick when the nursing staff insert a line into a vein to inject the radiopharmaceutical (which causes no warmth or discomfort). The main inconvenience will be having to lie completely still inside the scanner (a wide, open ring) for about 30 to 45 minutes.
• **Please note:** If you are breastfeeding, tell the staff before the test.

Question 3

What do I have to do before a Gallium PET-CT?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** In general, prolonged fasting is not strictly necessary for this test, although some centres recommend a light fast from solid food of 2 to 4 hours. It is highly recommended to drink plenty of plain water before coming to stay well hydrated.
• **Medication:** If the study is for neuroendocrine tumours, the centre may ask you to pause specific treatments (such as somatostatin analogues) weeks beforehand. However, any decision to stop, continue or adjust your usual medication must always be discussed with your doctor.
• **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose and preferably warm clothing, as PET-CT rooms are usually kept cold. There is a strict restriction on metal: do not wear garments with zips, underwiring or fasteners, and you will have to remove all jewellery, piercings, hairpins and watches before entering the scanner.
• **Specific Requirements:** Unlike the glucose PET (FDG), you do not need to follow a carbohydrate-free diet in the days before or restrict physical exercise. On the day of the test, after the radiopharmaceutical is injected, you will have to rest quietly for about 45 to 60 minutes. You do not need to come with a companion unless you suffer from claustrophobia and need sedation. After the test, it is essential to drink plenty of water to eliminate the tracer in the urine and keep a sensible distance from pregnant women and young children for the following 6 to 8 hours.
• **Discomfort or pain after the test:** The procedure is completely painless. You will only feel a slight prick when the nursing staff insert a line into a vein to inject the radiopharmaceutical (which causes no warmth or discomfort). The main inconvenience will be having to lie completely still inside the scanner (a wide, open ring) for about 30 to 45 minutes.
• **Please note:** If you are breastfeeding, tell the staff before the test.

General instructions for Gallium PET-CT

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