— 01 · At a Glance
What is a gallium scan?
★ In one paragraph
“Gallium scan” is a label shared by two different nuclear-medicine tests. The modern one is a Ga-68 PET/CT — gallium-68 is used to label targeted tracers, chiefly DOTATATE (for neuroendocrine tumours) and PSMA (for prostate cancer). The traditional one is the Ga-67 citrate scan, an older scintigraphy study once widely used for infection, inflammation and lymphoma. They use a different form of gallium, a different scanner and answer different questions.
If a doctor has mentioned a “gallium scan” or “Ga-68 scan,” in the large majority of cases today they mean a Ga-68 DOTATATE or Ga-68 PSMA PET. This page explains both kinds so you can be sure which one applies.
Both are available through the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Sector 44, Gurugram, with interpretation led by Dr. Ishita B. Sen and Dr. Dharmender Malik.
— 02 · Machine & Reader
The scan is only as good as who reads it.
Whichever gallium study you have, the result depends on two things working together: a good machine to acquire a clean study, and a good reader — an experienced nuclear medicine physician — to interpret it correctly and choose the right scan in the first place.
- The institution. Scans are performed at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Sector 44, Gurugram — a leading tertiary hospital with a dedicated Department of Nuclear Medicine and modern PET/CT imaging.
- The reader. Every study is interpreted by Dr. Ishita B. Sen and Dr. Dharmender Malik, who first make sure the right gallium scan is chosen for your question — the commonest and most consequential decision of all.
A scan is only ever as reliable as the equipment that acquires it and the physician who reads it. We hold both to the same standard.
— 03 · The Two Kinds
Two scans, one name.
Seeing them side by side is the quickest way to tell which one you mean.
| | Ga-68 PET (modern) | Ga-67 citrate (traditional) |
|---|
Isotope | Gallium-68 (a PET isotope) | Gallium-67 (a gamma emitter) |
Scanner | PET/CT | Gamma camera / SPECT |
Tracers | DOTATATE, PSMA (targeted) | Ga-67 citrate (non-specific) |
Used for | Neuroendocrine & prostate cancer | Infection, inflammation, some lymphoma |
Timing | Same visit, ~1.5–2 hours | Imaging over 2–3 days |
Today | The standard “gallium scan” | Largely replaced by FDG PET |
— 04 · Modern
The modern Ga-68 PET scans.
Gallium-68 is a positron-emitting isotope used to label highly targeted molecules for PET/CT. Two are in routine use, and between them they account for almost all of today's “gallium scans”:
- Ga-68 DOTATATE PET. Binds somatostatin receptors to locate neuroendocrine tumours, stage them, and select patients for Lu-177 DOTATATE therapy (PRRT).
- Ga-68 PSMA PET. Binds PSMA to locate prostate cancer — for staging, a rising PSA after treatment, and selecting patients for Lu-177 PSMA therapy.
Both are quick, same-visit PET/CT studies with low radiation, and both are theranostic — the receptor the scan finds is the receptor the matching therapy treats. Follow the links above for the full detail on each.
— 05 · Traditional
The traditional Ga-67 citrate scan.
The original gallium scan uses gallium-67 citrate, injected and then imaged on a gamma camera over two to three days as it gathers in areas of infection, inflammation and certain tumours. It was for decades a mainstay for:
- Infection and inflammation — including fever of unknown origin, some bone and chest infections, and sarcoidosis.
- Lymphoma — staging and response, historically, before modern imaging.
Today the Ga-67 citrate scan has been largely replaced by FDG PET/CT and by white-cell studies, which are faster and more accurate. It still has a role in selected situations, decided case by case. If your question is cancer staging or a receptor-targeted scan, you almost certainly need a Ga-68 PET, not a Ga-67 scan.
— 06 · Which Scan
Which gallium scan do you need?
A quick guide — though your doctor's referral settles it:
- Neuroendocrine tumour (carcinoid, pancreatic NET, and similar) → Ga-68 DOTATATE PET.
- Prostate cancer (staging or rising PSA) → Ga-68 PSMA PET.
- Most other cancers / general staging → usually an FDG PET/CT, not a gallium scan.
- Infection or inflammation of unknown cause → usually FDG PET or a white-cell study today; occasionally a Ga-67 scan.
If you are unsure which your doctor intended, send us the referral and we will confirm the correct study before anything is booked.
— 07 · Pricing
Cost of a gallium scan in India.
Because “gallium scan” covers more than one study, the price depends on which one you need. All are billed by Fortis Memorial Research Institute at the same hospital counter price for everyone, with no commission added for booking through our team.
| Scan | Cost | Includes |
|---|
Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT | ₹ [ ADD PRICE ] | Tracer + PET/CT + expert report |
Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT | ₹ [ ADD PRICE ] | Tracer + PET/CT + expert report |
— 08 · Safety
Is a gallium scan safe?
Yes — both kinds are safe, well-established tests.
- Ga-68 PET uses a microdose tracer and a low radiation dose, comparable to other diagnostic PET/CT studies, in a single short visit.
- Ga-67 citrate involves a higher radiation dose and imaging spread over two to three days — one reason it has largely given way to PET.
- Reactions to either tracer are rare. Tell the team if there is any possibility of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
— 09 · Booking
Book the right gallium scan.
Gallium scans are performed at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Sector 44, Gurugram — the single centre where we deliver scans — with interpretation led by Dr. Ishita B. Sen and Dr. Dharmender Malik. The first step is simply to confirm which study you need.
★ Referrals welcome
We accept and welcome referrals from your treating physician — oncologist, urologist, physician or family doctor. If you are a clinician referring a patient, contact us directly and we will coordinate scheduling and ensure the report reaches you. Patients may also enquire directly; we always share the final report with your treating doctor so your care stays joined up.
★ How to book
Message the coordination team on WhatsApp +91 8700 668431 or email info@nuclearmedicinetherapy.in with your name, city, your doctor's referral if you have one, and the clinical question. We confirm which gallium scan applies, the preparation, the price quote and the report timeline. Out-of-town and international patients are helped with scheduling and logistics.
Already have a gallium PET from another centre? You can request an independent expert opinion through our Second Read service without travelling.
Frequently asked questions.
What is a gallium scan?
“Gallium scan” covers two different tests. The modern one is a Ga-68 PET/CT using a targeted tracer — DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours or PSMA for prostate cancer. The traditional one is the Ga-67 citrate scan, an older scintigraphy study for infection, inflammation and some lymphomas. Today the term usually means a Ga-68 PET.
What is the difference between a Ga-68 and a Ga-67 scan?
They use different forms of gallium and different scanners. Ga-68 is a PET isotope used with targeted tracers (DOTATATE, PSMA) on a PET/CT, completed in a single short visit. Ga-67 citrate is a gamma-emitting isotope imaged on a gamma camera over two to three days, used non-specifically for infection and inflammation. Ga-68 PET is the modern standard; Ga-67 has largely been replaced by FDG PET.
What is a Ga-68 DOTATATE scan?
A Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT uses a somatostatin-analogue tracer to locate neuroendocrine tumours, stage them, and select patients for Lu-177 DOTATATE therapy (PRRT). It is one of the two common modern gallium scans.
What is a Ga-68 PSMA scan?
A Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT uses a PSMA-binding tracer to locate prostate cancer — for staging, for a rising PSA after treatment, and to select patients for Lu-177 PSMA therapy. It is the other common modern gallium scan.
What was the traditional Ga-67 citrate scan used for?
For decades it was used for infection and inflammation (such as fever of unknown origin and sarcoidosis) and for staging lymphoma. It is imaged over two to three days. Today it has been largely replaced by FDG PET/CT and white-cell studies, though it retains a role in selected cases.
How much does a gallium scan cost in India?
It depends on which scan you need. At FMRI Sector 44, Gurugram, all are billed by the hospital at the same counter price for everyone, with no commission. A written quote for the specific study is provided on enquiry — see the PET-CT scan service page or WhatsApp +91 8700 668431.
Is a gallium scan safe?
Yes. A Ga-68 PET uses a microdose tracer with a low radiation dose in a single visit. A Ga-67 citrate scan involves more radiation and imaging over several days. Reactions to either tracer are rare. Tell the team if there is any possibility of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Which gallium scan do I need?
For a neuroendocrine tumour, a Ga-68 DOTATATE PET; for prostate cancer, a Ga-68 PSMA PET; for most other cancers, usually an FDG PET rather than a gallium scan; for infection or inflammation, usually FDG or a white-cell study, occasionally Ga-67. Your doctor's referral settles it — send it to us and we will confirm.
Where can I get a gallium scan in Gurgaon?
Gallium scans are performed at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Sector 44, Gurugram, with interpretation led by Dr. Ishita B. Sen and Dr. Dharmender Malik. Confirm which study you need on WhatsApp +91 8700 668431. Referrals from treating physicians are welcome.
Written & Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ishita B. Sen
MBBS · DRM · DNB (Nuclear Medicine) · 30+ years in nuclear oncology
Director and Head, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Fortis Memorial Research Institute. Visiting fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York and University of Marburg, Germany. Past President, Association of Nuclear Medicine Physicians of India.
FellowshipsMSK New York · Marburg
Past PresidentANMPI
SpecialityGa-68 PET & Theranostics
Full profile
References & citations
- Hofman MS, Lawrentschuk N, Francis RJ, et al. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (proPSMA). The Lancet, 2020;395(10231):1208–1216.
- Deppen SA, Blume JD, Kensinger CD, et al. Accuracy of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT compared with conventional imaging for neuroendocrine tumors: a meta-analysis. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2016;57(6):872–878.
- Palestro CJ. The current role of gallium imaging in infection. Seminars in Nuclear Medicine, 1994;24(2):128–141.
- Tsan MF. Mechanism of gallium-67 accumulation in inflammatory lesions. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 1985;26(1):88–92.