Radiology - Having a Kidney Scan (Renogram)

Why do I need this scan?

Your doctor would like you to have a kidney scan to check how well your kidneys are working. You can choose to refuse this test, but we strongly recommend that you should discuss this with your doctor before deciding.

Preparation for your scan

• Please confirm your appointment by leaving a message on our 24-hour answer phone 0161 206 2405. Calls will only be returned if requested
• There is no special preparation required for your scan. However, you should drink plenty before and after your scan
• If you are taking any medication you should continue as normal

Please read the following information carefully to avoid your test being cancelled.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you have a urine collection bag you MUST bring your NIGHT BAG for this test because:

• You will produce more urine than normal
• The results of the test will be more accurate
• We might not be able to do the test if you don't bring the correct bag with you

 If you are taking any of these medications, please ring Nuclear Medicine on 0161 206 4861

• Amiodarone
• Antidepressants
• Disopyramide
• Diuretics
• Dronedarone
• Flecainide
• Gentamicin/Neomycin/Streptomycin
• Lithium
• Medicines to lower blood pressure
• Sotalol
• Pimozide

How is the scan performed?

This test will take around 40 minutes to complete but can take longer depending on the individual.

When you arrive in the department you will be given a bottle of water to drink.

The test will start with a small injection of a radioactive substance into a vein, usually in your arm.

This injection circulates around your body and will be absorbed by your kidneys and then passed out in your urine. This allows us to take pictures, called a scan.

Side effects from the injection are not common; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car.
 
Usually, you will be given a diuretic into a vein either 15 minutes before the start or 15 minutes into the scan. This is to accelerate urine production by your kidneys.

You will normally sit on a stool with your back against a special camera, called a gamma camera, which performs the scan.  Usually there is no need to undress. You will need to remove jewellery, keys or other metallic objects from your person/ pockets.

Having the scan does not hurt, but it is important that you keep still. If you are uncomfortable, please tell us and we will try to make you as relaxed as possible.

Risks & Limitations

• If you think you may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding you must contact us before the test date.
• You might get a bruise around the injection site
• Side effects are not common, but some people may get a skin rash, a headache, upset stomach, vertigo or dizziness.
• You will receive a small radiation dose of about 0.7 mSv, which is like that for an abdominal X-ray. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK is just under 3 mSv in one year.

After the scan

After the scan, you can eat as normal and should continue to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day. This will help to remove the radioactivity from your body. The radioactivity should completely disappear within 24 hours.

Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.

What happens to the results?

A report is sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test. Allow at least 2 weeks for this. Nuclear medicine staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, but they will be asked to remain in the waiting room whilst you are being scanned.

Only essential carers may remain with you. You must let us know before your test date if you require a carer present.

Please do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any questions about your examination or cannot make the appointment, please telephone the helpline on 0161 206 4861.

This is a 24-hour answer phone, but it is usually manned Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.

If you prefer, or are not able to telephone please contact us via email on radio.isotopes@nca.nhs.uk

Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.

Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment call us as soon as you can so that we can use it for another patient.

I need an ambulance so how do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance contact:
0161 206 7014 – Salford residents
0800 032 3240 – other areas
Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance on 0161 206 4861.

Interpreters

If you need an interpreter for your examination please call the Nuclear Medicine department on 0161 206 4861 so that we can try to arrange this.

Other sources of information

For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
www.bnms.org.uk/patientscarers
 
If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:

Nuclear Medicine Department
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861