What is Renal Scan

Renal scan is a procedure that is used to check for problems in the kidneys. The kidneys are the organs that help filter blood and keep it clean. They move waste out of your blood and into your urine so it can be removed from the body.

In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) is injected into your blood. The tracer will travel through your bloodstream and reach your kidneys.

A scanner with a camera that detects the radioactive tracer is used to examine the kidneys. The tracer makes it easy for your health care provider to see problems, if there are any.

There are several types of renal scans:

• Renal structural scan. This type is used to check for problems that may change the normal structure of the kidney. These problems include cysts, tumors, abscesses, and certain disorders that are present at birth (congenital).
• Renal function scan. This type is used to check for problems that affect kidney function, such as inflammation, low blood supply, or kidney failure.
• Renal blood flow scan. This type is used to evaluate the blood flow to each kidney. It can help to identify any narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis).
• Renal hypertension scan. This type is used to identify the cause of high blood pressure that results from problems in the renal arteries (renovascular hypertension). It can help to identify any narrowing or blockages in these arteries.
• Renal obstruction scan. This type is used to identify any obstruction in the area where waste moves out of the kidney and into the urinary tract.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• If you are breastfeeding.
• If you are pregnant or you think that you may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Exposure to radiation (a small amount).
• Allergic reaction to the radioactive material. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

• You may be asked to drink extra fluids for 24 hours before the exam. Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood and affect kidney function. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will lie on a scanner table.
• An IV line will be inserted into one of your veins. The IV line will remain in place for the entire exam.
• A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected through the IV line.
• Images will be taken of your kidney area. The images will be taken at different intervals depending on what is being checked.
• In some cases, a second type of tracer or a medicine may be injected. Then, more scans of the kidney will be done.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Return to your normal activities and your normal diet as directed by your health care provider.
• The radioactive tracer will leave your body over the next few days. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This will help flush the tracer out of your body.
• Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Summary

• A renal scan is a procedure that is used to check for problems in the kidneys. The kidneys are the organs that help filter blood and keep it clean.
• A renal scan can help check blood flow to the kidney and help look for cysts, tumors, or infection in the kidneys.
• Tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Some of these can affect kidney function and may interfere with your test results.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.