Alternate Names: Renogram; Kidney scan
How Performed: A renal scan is similar to (and in fact, may be a continuation of) a renal perfusion scintiscan.
You are asked to lie on the scanner table. Pressure (from a tourniquet or blood pressure cuff) is applied to the upper arm, which distends the veins of the arm. The inner elbow is scrubbed with antiseptic, and a small amount of radioisotope is injected into a vein (the radioisotope used may vary depending on the portion of kidney function that is of particular interest in the study). The pressure on the upper arm is then released, which allows the isotope to travel through the bloodstream as a small, concentrated "package." A short time later, the kidneys are scanned. Several images are taken, each lasting 1 or 2 seconds, with the total scan time about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The images are analyzed by a computer after the scan is completed and can give detailed information about particular kidney functions (such as glomerular filtration rate).
After the scan, no recovery time is required. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently to help excrete the radioactive material from the body.
How To Prepare: There is usually no need for fasting, special diets, or preliminary medications. You may be asked to drink additional fluids before the scan.
You must sign a consent form. You will wear a hospital gown. Remove jewelry, dentures, and metallic objects before the scan.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:
How It Feels: There is a sharp prick when the isotope is injected into the vein. You do not feel the isotope. You do not feel the scan, although the table may be hard or cold. You will need to lie still during the scan.
Risks: The risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and for needle pricks.
There is a slight amount of radiation from the radioisotope. Most of this radiation exposure occurs to the kidneys and bladder as the isotope is excreted. Virtually all radiation is gone from the body in 24-hours. However, because of the slight exposure to radiation, caution is advised if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Any time the body is penetrated (such as by a needle prick) there is a risk for infection. Injection into a vein also carries a slight risk for bleeding. The risk is no greater for renal perfusion scan than for intravenous injection of any sort.
Extremely rarely, a person will exhibit an allergic reaction to the radioisotope, which may include severe anaphylaxis.
Why Performed: The test evaluates the size, position, shape, and function of the kidneys. A renal scan is particularly useful when there is a known sensitivity to the contrast media used in an IVP or other X-rays, or when there is underlying kidney insufficiency (reduced kidney function). Renal scan is commonly used after a kidney transplant to evaluate kidney function and to look for signs of transplant rejection.
A renal scan may be used to evaluate kidney function in people with hypertension.
Normal Values: Normal blood flow through the renal vessels is desired. Normal size, shape, position, and function of both kidneys are found.
Abnormal Results: Abnormal results indicate reduced kidney function(s). This may occur with acute or chronic renal failure, as complications of a renal transplant (both surgical complications and transplant rejection), glomerulonephritis, or other kidney disorders.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Cost:
Special Considerations: Findings of reduced function may be nonspecific in identifying the cause of the dysfunction. Congenital (or other) abnormalities of kidney shape or size may contribute to an error in interpreting results of a renal scan, because glomerular filtration rate and other functions are calculated based on the presumption of normal anatomic size and shape. Tests of some functions may require delayed images (1 to 4 hours later).
Advantages include the ability to determine kidney function without exposure to contrast agents and the ability to obtain quantitative information that may not be obtainable by other procedures.
