DMSA Scan
This scan checks for scarring and looks at the function of your kidneys. For a DMSA scan, you will be given a small injection into a vein usually in your arm. This injection contains a small amount of a radioactive tracer (not a dye) which gets absorbed into your kidneys over a period of hours (2-4). Side effects from the injection are extremely rare and it is a very safe procedure.
After the injection you are free to go and there are no restrictions on what you can do. You will be asked to drink 4-6 cups of fluid and empty your bladder as often as you like. You will be given an appointment to return 2-4 hours after the injection for some pictures. These will take 45-60 minutes and you will need to lay on a bed, relax and keep very still while we take pictures. After your scan you are free to go and there are no restrictions on what you can do.
You must tell us if there is any chance you are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding. The pictures will be read by one of our specialist doctors and the findings will be sent directly to your doctor.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask our friendly staff who will be happy to answer them.
MAG3 Renal Scan
This scan checks the overall functioning of your kidneys including blood flow, function and drainage. For this scan, you will be given a small injection into a vein usually in your arm. This injection contains a small amount of a radioactive tracer (not a dye) which is filtered from the blood stream by your kidneys and excreted as urine into your bladder. You will also be given an injection of Lasix which increases the amount of urine produced by your kidneys to help us look at the drainage to your bladder.
We will take pictures for 45-60minutes and you will need to lay on a bed, relax and keep very still. Near the end of the test you will be asked to empty your bladder and another picture will be taken. This picture will only take 2 minutes.
Side effects from this scan are extremely rare but you may feel some discomfort if your kidneys are blocked due to the effect of the Lasix. Please let the staff member taking your pictures know if you are in any discomfort. After your scan you are free to go and there are no restrictions on what you can do.
You must tell us if there is any chance you are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding. The pictures will be read by one of our specialist doctors and the findings will be sent directly to your doctor.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask our friendly staff who will be happy to answer them.
