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Gallium PET-CT

General instructions for Gallium PET-CT

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

  • Definition: An imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive gallium to locate neuroendocrine or prostate tumors.
  • Fasting: Generally, it is not strictly necessary to perform a prolonged fast for this test, although some centers recommend a light solid food fast of 2 to 4 hours. It is highly recommended to drink plenty of plain water before coming to maintain good hydration.
  • Medication: If the study is for neuroendocrine tumors, the center might indicate pausing specific treatments (such as somatostatin analogs) weeks beforehand. However, the decision to stop, maintain, or adjust your usual medication must always be discussed with your doctor.
  • Clothing and Accessories: We recommend coming in loose, comfortable, and preferably warm clothing, as PET-CT rooms are usually kept at low temperatures. There is a strict restriction regarding metals: do not use garments with zippers, wires, or clasps, and you must remove all jewelry, piercings, hairpins, and watches before entering the scanner.
  • Specific Requirements: Unlike PET with glucose (FDG), you do not need to follow a carbohydrate-free diet in the preceding days nor restrict physical exercise. On the day of the test, after injecting the contrast, you must rest quietly for about 45 to 60 minutes. It is not necessary to come accompanied, unless you suffer from claustrophobia and need sedation. After the test, it is essential to drink plenty of water to eliminate the drug through urine and maintain a prudent distance from pregnant women and small children during the following 6 to 8 hours.
  • Expected discomfort or pain from the test: The procedure is totally painless. You will only feel a slight initial prick when the nursing staff places the line in the vein to inject the radiopharmaceutical (which does not produce heat or discomfort). The biggest inconvenience will be the need to stay lying down and completely still inside the scanner (a wide and open ring) for about 30 to 45 minutes.