Radionuclide
Scan of the Kidneys
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What is the
test?
A radionuclide scan of the kidneys shows a picture
of your kidneys while they are at work making
urine. The test is done in the nuclear medicine
area of the radiology (x-ray) department, where
doctors are specially trained to work with medicines
that are radioactive. You will receive a small
amount of a radioactive medicine that collects
inside the kidneys. Pictures can then be taken
using a radioactivity detector, and your kidneys
will show up on the images. This test can be
useful to evaluate infection, blockages, injury
to the kidneys, and some causes of high blood
pressure.
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How
do I prepare for the test?
Let your doctor know if you could be pregnant
or if you are breast-feeding a baby. The medicine
used in this test would expose your baby to radiation.
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What
happens when the test is performed?
You have an IV (intravenous) line placed into
a vein. A slightly radioactive version of a substance
called sodium pertechnetate is injected through
the IV. This substance helps your kidneys and
urine show up on pictures.
A camera that is specially designed to detect
radioactivity is placed against your back or
abdomen. A number of pictures are taken over
time. The camera itself does not expose you to
any additional radiation, so the number of pictures
is not harmful in any way. The test is usually
completed within an hour.
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What
risks are there from the test?
Many people worry when they hear that the medicine
used in this test is slightly radioactive. In
truth, this test exposes you to a very small
amount of radiation-no greater than that of routine
xrays.
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Must
I do anything special after the test is over?
You do not need to do anything special after
this test. The last traces of the radioactive
medicine are cleared from your body within a
few hours or at most within a day or two. You
can interact with other people normally after
the test; they will not be at risk for any radiation
exposure by being close to you.
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How
long is it before the result of the test is
known?
The pictures take an hour or more to be developed,
and additional time is required for a radiologist
to analyze the pictures for information about
your kidneys. Your doctor will generally receive
a report within a day or two.
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