Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we use advanced imaging tests to check kidney health. We use a renal kidney scan, also known as a nuclear medicine kidney scan. This test is non-invasive and gives us important information about kidney function and structure. It helps us find and diagnose different kidney problems.

A kidney scan uses a tiny bit of radioactive material to see how the kidneys work in real-time. Our team can then give accurate and trustworthy results. We use the latest technology and focus on our patients to give them the best care.

Key Takeaways

• A kidney scan is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that evaluates kidney function and structure.
• It uses a small amount of radioactive matter to assess kidney health in real-time.
• Our institution utilizes state-of-the-art technology for accurate and reliable results.
• A kidney scan helps diagnose various kidney conditions, providing valuable insights into kidney health.
• At Liv Hospital, we prioritize patient-centered care and provide full support.

Understanding Kidney Scans: An Overview

A kidney scan, also known as renal imaging, checks how well the kidneys work. It uses a small amount of radioactive material. This helps doctors see how the kidneys are doing.

Kidney scans are key in finding and treating kidney problems. They give doctors a clear view of kidney function. This helps them diagnose and treat kidney issues well.

Definition and Purpose of Kidney Scans

A kidney scan is a test that uses a radioactive tracer to see the kidneys. It checks how well the kidneys work. It also finds blockages or problems in the kidneys.

This test is very important for diagnosing and managing kidney diseases. It helps doctors see if treatments are working. They can then make better decisions for patient care.

• Evaluate kidney function and identify any issues
• Finds blockages or obstructions in the kidneys
• Diagnoses kidney disease or damage
• Checks if treatments are working

How Kidney Scans Differ from Other Imaging Tests

Kidney scans are different from other tests, like CT scans or ultrasound. They show how well the kidneys are working. Other tests might show what the kidneys look like, but not how they function.

This special info is very helpful for treating kidney problems. By combining kidney scan results with other tests, doctors get a full picture of kidney health. They can then create a good treatment plan.

Some main benefits of kidney scans are:

1. They show how well the kidneys are working
2. Help find and manage kidney issues
3. Give a unique look at kidney function

Types of Kidney Scan Procedures

Kidney imaging includes many scan types to improve diagnosis. We use different kidney scan procedures to check how well the kidneys work and find kidney problems.

Standard Nuclear Renal Scan

A Standard Nuclear Renal Scan is a common test for kidney function and structure. It uses a small amount of radioactive material injected into the blood. The kidneys absorb this material.

This scan shows how well the kidneys filter waste and extra fluids. It helps check the kidneys’ function and find any blockages or issues.

Lasix Renal Scan

A Lasix Renal Scan, also known as a diuretic renal scan, checks how well kidneys drain. It involves giving a diuretic, like Lasix (furosemide), to make more urine.

This scan is great for finding conditions like hydronephrosis, where the kidney swells with urine. It shows if there’s a blockage in the urinary tract by seeing how well the kidney drains after the diuretic.

DMSA Renal Scan

The DMSA Renal Scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows the kidney’s structure in detail. It’s good for finding scarring, infections, or other kidney tissue problems.

This scan uses a radioactive tracer that sticks to the renal cortex for clear images of the kidney’s anatomy. It’s often used in kids to diagnose pyelonephritis.

MAG3 Renal Scan

The MAG3 Renal Scan is a nuclear medicine test for kidney function, focusing on tubular function. It’s useful for checking how well the kidneys clear waste from the blood.

This scan is often for patients with kidney disease or those who have had a kidney transplant. It gives important information on kidney function and helps track kidney disease.

In summary, different kidney scan procedures help diagnose and manage kidney issues. By choosing the right scan, we can accurately find and treat kidney problems.

• Standard Nuclear Renal Scan: Evaluates overall kidney function and structure.
• Lasix Renal Scan: Assesses drainage efficiency and detects obstructions.
• DMSA Renal Scan: Provides detailed images of kidney structure and detects scarring or infections.
• MAG3 Renal Scan: Evaluates tubular function and monitors kidney disease progression.

How a Kidney Scan Works

To understand a kidney scan, we need to know about radioactive tracers. These tracers are used in a kidney scan to find and measure kidney damage or disease. There are small amounts of radioactive material.

The Role of Radioactive Tracers

Radioactive tracers emit gamma rays that a special camera called a gamma camera detects. These tracers are absorbed by the kidneys, helping to assess their function. Common tracers include Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) and Iodine-131 (I-131).

The tracer used depends on the scan’s purpose. Tc-99m is often for kidney function and structure. I-131 is for thyroid function related to kidney issues.

Gamma Ray Detection Process

The gamma camera captures gamma rays from the kidneys. It rotates around the patient to get images from all sides. This gives a full view of the kidneys.

The gamma rays are then processed by a computer. This creates images showing kidney function, like blood flow and filtration. It also shows any damage or obstructions.

Real-Time Imaging Capabilities

Nuclear medicine scans of the kidney offer real-time imaging. This lets doctors see kidney function as it happens. It helps find conditions not seen in static images.

• Assessing kidney function and blood flow
• Detecting obstructions or blockages in the urinary tract
• Evaluating the overall health and structure of the kidneys

Nuclear medicine scans help doctors make accurate diagnoses. They can then create treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs.

Medical Conditions Diagnosed with Kidney Scans

Kidney scans are key for checking kidney health. They help us find and treat many kidney problems. This gives us the info we need to make good treatment plans.

Kidney Function Assessment

Kidney scans measure how well the kidneys filter waste and fluids. This is important for knowing if the kidneys are healthy or not. It helps us spot any problems early.

Detecting Blockages and Obstructions

Kidney scans find blockages in the urinary tract. These can cause a lot of pain and serious issues if not treated. So, it’s vital to catch them early.

Identifying Kidney Damage or Disease

A kidney scan can find damage or disease like stones, tumors, or cysts. Finding these early helps prevent more damage. It also helps improve treatment results.

Evaluating Transplanted Kidneys

Kidney scans check how well transplanted kidneys work. We watch their performance to make sure they’re doing their job right. This helps catch any problems early.

In short, kidney scans are a big help in diagnosing and managing kidney issues. The whole process takes about 30 to 60 minutes. It’s safe, with very little radiation.

What to Expect During Your Kidney Scan

Our team will guide you through your kidney scan, from start to finish. A kidney scan, or nuclear kidney scan, checks how well your kidneys work. It looks for any problems.

Before the Scan: Preparation Steps

To make your kidney scan go well, follow these steps:

• Tell your doctor about any medicines you’re taking.
• Share any allergies, like to the radioactive tracer.
• Follow your doctor’s diet advice.
• Drink lots of water before the scan.

During the Scan: Step-by-Step Process

During the scan, you’ll lie on a table that slides into a big camera. Here’s what happens:

1. You get an injection of a radioactive tracer.
2. Then, you lie very quietly while the camera takes pictures of your kidneys.
3. You might be asked to move or do simple things.
4. The whole scan takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

After the Scan: Recovery and Results

After the scan, you can usually go back to your normal day. But remember to:

• Drink lots of water to get rid of the tracer.
• Go to the bathroom often.

You might feel some mild side effects, like redness or soreness where you were injected. These usually go away quickly.

Your doctor will talk to you about the scan results. They’ll explain what they mean for your kidney health and what to do next.

Most Common Side Effects of Kidney Scans

Kidney scans are important for diagnosing health issues. But it’s key to know the possible side effects. We want our patients to know what to expect before, during, and after the scan.

Injection Site Reactions: Redness and Soreness

One common side effect is reactions at the injection site. You might see redness, soreness, or swelling where the tracer was given. These usually go away in a few hours.

To make it less uncomfortable, try these:

• Use a cold compress on the area
• Wear loose clothes to avoid irritation
• Tell your doctor if it hurts a lot

Potential Reactions to Diuretics in Lasix Renal Scans

Lasix renal scans might cause reactions to the diuretic. Lasix helps check how well your kidneys work. Some people might feel:

• More need to pee
• Dizzy or feel like they might pass out
• Headaches

Following your doctor’s advice on drinking water can help avoid these side effects.

“The use of diuretics like Lasix in renal scans has been a game-changer in diagnosing certain kidney issues. While there are possible side effects, they are usually manageable with proper care.” – a Nephrologist

Radiation Exposure: Facts and Safety

Kidney scans use small amounts of radiation from tracers. The risk is low, but it’s good to know the facts:

• The radiation dose is carefully set to keep exposure low
• The scan’s benefits often outweigh the risks
• We follow strict rules to use the least amount of radiation needed

Remember, the radiation from a kidney scan is usually less than some CT scans.

Rare Side Effects and When to Seek Medical Attention

Severe side effects are rare, but it’s good to know about them. Rare allergic reactions to the tracer can happen. Signs include:

• Hard to breathe
• The heart beats too fast
• Hives or itching

If you have these symptoms, get help right away. We care about your safety and comfort during the scan.

In summary, kidney scans are mostly safe. Knowing the possible side effects helps manage them better. If you have concerns or questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Conclusion: Benefits and Safety of Kidney Imaging

At Liv Hospital, we aim to provide top-notch healthcare. Our kidney imaging services show our dedication. Kidney scans, like renal imaging and nuclear medicine scans, are key for diagnosing and treating kidney issues.

Kidney imaging is safe, with little radiation. This makes it perfect for patients who need regular checks. We put patient safety first and strive to offer the best care.

Our advanced imaging technologies help us understand kidney function and structure. This information helps doctors create better treatment plans. We see kidney scans as essential for complete patient care. We’re committed to giving our patients the best service.

FAQ

References

• Taylor, A. T., Nally, J., Aurell, M., et al. (2018). SNMMI Procedure Standard / EANM Practice Guideline for Diuretic Renal Scintigraphy in Adults With Suspected Upper Urinary Tract Obstruction. Seminars in Nuclear Medicine, 48(4), S1–S35. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6020824/
  
• Banks, K. P. (2022). Diuretic Renal Scintigraphy Protocol Considerations. Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 50(4), 309–315. https://tech.snmjournals.org/content/50/4/309
  
• National Kidney Federation. (n.d.). The Renogram. https://www.kidney.org.uk/the-renogram
  
• RadiologyInfo.org. (n.d.). Renal (Kidney) Scintigraphy. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/renal