Renal scan

What is it?

A renal scan provides an image of the kidneys’ shape, size, blood flow and, most importantly, functioning. Before the scan, a substance (DMSA) is injected that is slowly absorbed by the kidneys.

Course of the procedure

(Possibly) pregnant or breastfeeding? Be sure to speak to your physician before the injection.

The test will not be performed if you are pregnant. In case of doubt, the test is postponed until you are certain.

If you are breastfeeding, you will receive additional instructions about how to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to your child.

Preparation for the test

You do not need to be fasting (an empty stomach) for this examination. It is particularly important that you drink enough fluids prior to the test. This way, you can activate your kidneys properly. Go to the toilet right before the test in order to empty the bladder.

Small children and babies are best calmed down as much as possible before the test. Feeding your baby, for example, can help with this.

Course of the procedure

You must check in with the department twice, with four to six hours in between each check-in over the course of 24 hours (depending on the indication). A small quantity of radioactive material will be administered intravenously in your arm. You will come back back to have the test after a certain amount of time has passed. This takes fifteen minutes. Sometimes the examination is combined with a renogram.

After the procedure

If you are not admitted to the hospital, you can resume your normal activities after the test.

Safety and radiation

There are virtually no side effects. The injected product does not cause abnormal sensations and only very rarely leads to (very mild) allergic reactions.

The injected radioactive substance does constitute a dose of radiation, but it is verylimited (about the same as a regular CT scan). The quantity of radiation that you are exposed to during the test is not higher or lower depending on the number of images taken.

The radioactive material will have disappeared almost completely from your body 12 hours after the test.