Kidney Scan

What is a Kidney scan?

A kidney scan or a renogram is a diagnostic procedure that examines the structure and function of the kidney(s) with the help of a radioactive substance or tracer injected into your blood. A special camera or scanner is used to detect the radioactive material which passes through your kidneys and into your urine. A computer processes the images taken by the camera to indicate any abnormalities.

Kidney scans are indicated to identify and evaluate obstructions, diseases or injuries to the kidneys that may be causing the reduced blood supply to the kidneys, high blood pressure in the arteries of the kidneys, abscesses, tumors, cysts as well as the success of kidney surgery or transplants.

Before proceeding with the kidney scan, you must inform your doctor about your regular medication as they may interfere with the results of the scan. The scan is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and may take 45 minutes to 3 hours to complete, depending on the reason for the evaluation. 

The procedure of Kidney scan

You will lie on a table. The radioactive tracer is injected through an intravenous line into your arm. After waiting for a brief period, the scanner is placed over the region of your kidneys and images obtained. You mustn't move as any movement can blur the images taken. Depending on the suspected disease, your doctor will modify the process. You may be given blood pressure medications to compare and evaluate your blood pressure or be administered a diuretic to promote urine production and help your doctor evaluate kidney blockages. A catheter may be inserted through your urinary passage if the evaluation requires an empty bladder. Once the scanning is complete, the intravenous line is removed and you may resume your normal activities.

The radioactive substance will exit your body through the urine. You are advised to facilitate this process by drinking plenty of fluids. The procedure has minimal risks with very low radiation exposure.