Kidney Scan
What is a kidney scan?
A kidney scan is an imaging test that looks at your kidneys. Your healthcare provider
can also see how well blood is flowing in your kidneys. A kidney scan is also called
a renal scan or renal scintigraphy.
A kidney scan is a type of nuclear imaging test. This means that a tiny amount of
a radioactive matter is used during the scan. The radioactive matter (radioactive
tracer) is absorbed by normal kidney tissue. The radioactive tracer sends out gamma
rays. These are picked up by the scanner to make a picture of your kidneys.
The areas of the kidneys where the radioactive tracer collects in greater amounts
are called "hot spots." The areas that don't absorb the tracer and appear less bright
on the scan image are referred to as "cold spots."
Why might I need a kidney scan?
A kidney scan can be done in several different ways to help look at kidney problems.
All of these scans use a radioactive tracer.
You may need a kidney scan if your healthcare provider thinks you may have abnormal
kidney function or may need surgery for a kidney problem.
Your healthcare provider may use the scan to see how well blood is flowing in your
kidneys. You may need this if your provider thinks you have a blockage or narrowing
in the blood vessels. This scan can also be used to diagnose:
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The amount of functioning kidney disease
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Blood flow to the kidneys
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Possible narrowing of the renal arteries
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Rejection of a transplanted kidney
Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a kidney scan. Talk with
your healthcare provider about the reason for your scan.
What are the risks of a kidney scan?
The risk from the radioactive tracer is very low. The amount used in the test is very
small. You may feel some slight discomfort when the tracer is injected. Allergic reactions
to the tracer are rare, but they may happen.
Lying on the scanning table during the procedure may cause some discomfort or pain
for certain people.
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
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Are allergic to or sensitive to medicines, contrast dyes, or latex.
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Are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant. The scan may not be safe for the
fetus.
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Are breastfeeding. The tracer may contaminate your breastmilk.
You may have other risks. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before
the procedure.
Certain things may make a kidney scan less accurate. These include:
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Having radioactive tracer in your body from another recent nuclear medicine test
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Having barium in your digestive tract from a recent barium test
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Taking water pills (diuretics), or heart or blood pressure medicines. Talk with your
healthcare provider about these.
How do I get ready for a kidney scan?
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Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask them any questions
you have about the procedure.
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You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure.
Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
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You usually don't need to fast before the test. You also usually will not need medicine
to help you relax (sedation).
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You may be asked to drink several glasses of water before the scan or take medicine.
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Tell your provider if you are:
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Allergic to or sensitive to latex, medicines, contrast dyes, or iodine.
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Pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
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Taking medicine for high blood pressure. You may need to stop this medicine before
the scan.
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Your provider may give you other instructions to get ready.
What happens during a kidney scan?
You may have a kidney scan as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital.
The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare
provider's practices.
Generally, a kidney scan follows this process:
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You will be asked to remove any jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way
of the scan.
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You will be asked to remove clothing. You will be given a gown to wear.
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An IV (intravenous) line will be started in your hand or arm so that you can be given
the radioactive tracer.
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The tracer will be injected into your vein. The tracer will be allowed to collect
in your kidneys for a short time. You might notice a slight metallic taste in your
mouth but this should last only a few moments.
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You may be asked to either lie down or sit upright on a scanning table. You will need
to stay still during the scan. If you move, it may affect the quality of the scan.
For a structural kidney scan, you will need to lie still during the entire test.
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The scanner will be placed over the kidney area. The technologist will take a series
of images until they can see the kidneys.
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Depending on the type of scan done, the healthcare provider may give you a diuretic
medicine or a different blood pressure medicine to take.
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When the scan is done, the IV line will be removed and you will be helped up from
the scanning table
The kidney scan is not painful. But you may have some discomfort or pain from lying
still during the test, or the insertion of the IV. The technologist will use all possible
comfort measures and do the scan as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort
or pain.
What happens after a kidney scan?
You should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness
or lightheadedness.
You may be told to drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder often for about 24
hours after the scan. This will help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.
The medical staff will check the IV site for any signs of redness or swelling. Tell
your healthcare provider if you see any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site
after you go home. These may be signs of infection or another type of reaction.
You may go back to your usual diet and activities, unless your healthcare provider
tell you otherwise.
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions, depending on your situation.
Next steps
Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
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The name of the test or procedure
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The reason you are having the test or procedure
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What results to expect and what they mean
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The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
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What the possible side effects or complications are
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When and where you are to have the test or procedure
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Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
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What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
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Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
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When and how you will get the results
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Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
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How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure