Renal scan

Renal Scan

A Renal Scan is a nuclear imaging test that gives information about how well your kidneys are working. It can detect blockages, cysts, tumors, or other problems. It can also monitor the effectiveness of treatments for kidney diseases, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Preparation

Prior preparation is necessary for the test. You will need to drink a liquid that contains a radioactive material and then wait for about an hour for it to travel through your body. Before the test you should let your doctor know about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking, as these can affect results.

Procedure

During the test, a special camera will measure the amount of radioactivity in different parts of your body, such as your kidneys. The camera will also take images of your kidneys that will show any abnormalities. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, but if additional images are needed, it can take up to two hours.

Types

• A renal scan can be either a perfusion scan or a drainage scan. In a perfusion scan, the radioactive material is injected into your body to measure how quickly the kidneys are filtering the material.
• Drainage scan: this is done after a perfusion scan, to measure the rate of blood flow to and from the kidneys.

Risks

The exposure to radiation from a renal scan is very low, so the risks are minimal. There is also a small risk of an allergic reaction to the radioactive material used.

Why Have a Renal Scan?

A renal scan can help diagnose problems with your kidneys, such as blockages, cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for kidney diseases, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

When to Have a Renal Scan

Your doctor may recommend a renal scan if you have symptoms of a kidney issue, such as pain, swelling, difficulty urinating, or changes in urine volume or color. It can also be used to diagnose and monitor chronic kidney diseases.