Nuclear Medicine

A renal scan, also known as a renal scintigraphy is a medical imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material to examine the structure and function of the kidneys. This scan provides valuable information about blood flow to the kidneys, filtration, and excretion of urine. It is often used to diagnose and monitor various kidney conditions.

Here is an overview of the renal scan procedure:

Radioactive Tracer Injection: A small amount of a radioactive substance, usually technetium-99m or another radiopharmaceutical, is injected into a vein. This substance is often attached to a chemical that is taken up by the kidneys.

The patient may need to wait for a certain period to allow the radioactive tracer to accumulate in the kidneys.

Imaging: The patient is positioned under a gamma camera, which detects the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive tracer. Images are taken as the tracer moves through the bloodstream, is filtered by the kidneys, and is eventually excreted into the bladder.

Dynamic Imaging: Dynamic images are captured in real-time to observe the flow of the radioactive substance through the kidneys.

Static Imaging: Static images are also taken at different time points to assess the distribution of the tracer within the kidneys and identify any abnormalities.

Renal scans are commonly employed in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as kidney infections, kidney stones, renal artery stenosis, and other kidney diseases. As with any medical procedure, the decision to undergo a renal scan should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider based on individual health circumstances.