Abscess scan - radioactive


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Results Risks Prevention

Alternative Names

Radioactive abscess scan; 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-level radiation exposure. Radioactive injections 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 or had 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)


Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Find a Therapist

Powered by Psychology Today


PR Newswire