Radiology - Kidney Scan (DMSA)

Please read this leaflet carefully in conjunction with your appointment letter.

Why do I need this scan?

Your doctor would like you to come here for a kidney scan to look for any scarring of your kidneys and their individual function. You can opt to refuse this test but we strongly recommend that you should discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.

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 this is requested
• No special preparation for your scan however you should drink plenty before and after your scan

If you are taking any medication you should continue as normal.

How is the scan performed?

This test will take about 3 to 4 hours to complete.

When you arrive in the department you will be given 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.

This allows us to take pictures, called a scan, approximately 3 hours after your injection. During this waiting time you will be able to leave the department and will be free to eat and drink.
 
There are no side effects from the injection; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car.

For the scan, you will usually lie on an imaging table with your arms above your head, while a special camera, called a gamma camera, 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.

The scan may take up to 30 minutes, but can take longer depending on the individual. Having the scan does not hurt, but it is important that you keep still. If you are in pain please tell us and we will try to make you as comfortable as possible.

Risks and 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 similar to that for an abdominal X-ray. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK in one year is just under 3 MSv

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,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.

Interpreters

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

Other sources of information

We hope your questions have been answered by this leaflet.

For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http:www.bnms.org.uk/patientscarers

NHS 111 Service
When less urgent than 999

If you require further information about this test please contact:

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