Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI)

What is BSGI?

Breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI) is a sensitive and specific breast imaging technique used at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. It is a staging option for some patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

What can I expect?

You will be seated upright in a chair. The special camera used for BSGI requires only minimal breast compression. An IV will be placed in your arm and a small amount of radioactive dye will be injected into the IV. The dye will concentrate in cells with increased metabolic activity, which is a feature of cancer cells. The BSGI process usually takes 90 minutes.

How should I prepare?

On the day of the exam, you will be asked to fast  for six hours before the exam. This means no eating or drinking except for water. Wearing a two-piece outfit will make you feel more comfortable; it will also be more convenient, because you will be asked to undress from the waist up.