Abscess scan, radioactive

Alternative names:

abscess scan; radioactive abscess scan

What the risks are:

• some bruising may occur at the site of injection
• there is always a slight chance of infection when the skin is broken

There is low-radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Special considerations:

Inform your health care provider if you have a history of any of the following:

• gallium (Ga.) scan within the previous month (could interfere with test results)
• hemodialysis (may cause a false negative)
• hyperglycemia (may cause a false negative)
• total parenteral (through an IV) nutrition (may cause a false negative)
• steroid therapy (may cause a false negative)
• long-term antibiotic therapy (may cause a false negative)