Renal scan

The specific type of scan may vary. This article provides a general overview. A renal scan is similar to a renal perfusion scintiscan . It may be done along with that test. You will be asked to lie on the scanner table. The health care provider will place a tight band or blood pressure cuff on your upper arm. This…

Tell your provider if you take any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood pressure medicines. These drugs might affect the test. You may be asked to drink additional fluids before the scan.

Some people feel discomfort when the needle is placed into the vein. However, you will not feel the radioactive material. The scanning table may be hard and cold. You will need to lie still during the scan. You may feel an increased urge to urinate near the end of the test.

A renal scan tells your provider how your kidneys work. It also shows their size, position, and shape. It may be done if: You cannot have other x-rays using contrast (dye) material because you are sensitive or allergic to them, or you have reduced kidney function You have had a kidney transplant and your doctor wants…

Abnormal results are a sign of reduced kidney function. This may be due to: Acute or chronic kidney failure Chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) Complications of a kidney transplant Glomerulonephritis Hydronephrosis Injury of the kidney and ureter Narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the…

There is a slight amount of radiation from the radioisotope. Most of this radiation exposure occurs to the kidneys and bladder. Almost all radiation is gone from the body in 24 hours. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Very rarely, a person will have an allergic reaction to the radioisotope,…

Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Renocystogram. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:953-993. Duddalwar VA, Jadvar H, Palmer SL, Boswell WD. Diagnostic kidney imaging. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Taal MW, Skorecki K,eds.…