How are your kidneys? Let's find out with a renal scan.

Have you ever heard of a kidney scan, aka a renal scan? Maybe a doctor has told you to do this. Or maybe you're curious about it. What is a renal scan? Why is it done? Is it something to be afraid of? We'll talk about all of this today, as simply as if you were talking to a friend.

What exactly is a renal scan?

Simply put, a renal scan is a special test that checks how well your kidneys are working. It's an imaging test that belongs to the field of nuclear medicine. Think of it like taking a photo of your kidneys, but it can not only see the shape of your kidneys, but also how they're working.

Here's what happens: A healthcare provider, either a doctor or a trained technician, injects a small amount of a radioactive substance (also called a `radioisotope` or `radiotracer`) into a vein in your arm or hand. This is a very small amount that is harmless to the body. The substance travels through your bloodstream to your kidneys. You are then sent into a special scanner. The machine uses the radioactive substance to find the location of the kidneys and sends the data, which looks like pictures, to a computer.

This renal scan helps to detect kidney diseases and disorders at an early stage . It is also used to see how well someone has had a kidney transplant.

This is called something else, you may have heard of it:

• Renal scintigraphy
• Nuclear medicine renal scan
• Nuclear medicine kidney scan
• Renogram

What exactly can be checked with a renal scan?

This scan mainly looks at how your kidneys are working. In addition, your kidneys:

• Shape
• Size
• Location inside the body

You can also get a clear picture of things like that.

Why are you being referred for a renal scan?

If a doctor suspects that your kidneys are not working properly, they will order this renal scan. They may also order other tests, for example:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• X-rays

These may be signs of low kidney function.

Also, there are several other reasons a doctor might order this scan:

• If you are allergic to the dyes used in X-rays, then a renal scan is a safe option.
• If you are a kidney transplant recipient.
• To youIf you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
• If it is difficult or impossible to urinate due to a kidney blockage .

What medical conditions can be identified with a renal scan?

This scan can help diagnose many medical conditions. Here are a few examples:

• High blood pressure in the main veins that supply blood to your kidneys (called `Renal Hypertension`).
• Swelling of the kidneys (Hydronephrosis) due to some blockage.
• Kidney cysts, kidney tumors, or abscesses.
• Narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys (`Renal artery stenosis`).
• Decreased kidney function after surgery or kidney transplant.
• Urine flows back from the bladder to the kidneys (Vesicoureteral reflux).

How does a renal scan actually work?

During a renal scan, a nuclear medicine technologist (a doctor who is specially trained to use radioactive drugs and imaging machines) takes pictures of your kidneys. These pictures show how blood flows into and out of your kidneys. They also show other organs in your urinary system, including:

• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Bladder

It also shows how urine moves between these.

The results of this nuclear scan can help your doctor see if your kidneys are functioning poorly or if there is any blockage.

What types of renal scans are there?

Nuclear medicine technologists mainly use four types of renal scans:

1. ACE inhibitor renal scintigraphy: This test looks for narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys, which is causing high blood pressure. Pictures of your kidneys are taken before and after you are given a blood pressure medication (an ACE inhibitor).

2. Diuretic renal scintigraphy: This scan looks for blockages in the kidneys or problems with urine flow. Pictures are taken before and after you are given a water pill (called a diuretic) to look at how urine moves through the kidneys.

3. Renal cortical scintigraphy: This tests how well the tissue on the outside of the kidneys (renal cortical tissue) is working. You are given a radioactive substance through an IV and then a camera takes pictures of the material about two hours later.

4. Renal perfusion: This nuclear medicine test looks at the amount of blood flowing to your kidneys. This scan measures the width of your renal veins and how well your kidneys are working. A camera takes pictures continuously for 20 to 30 minutes.

How do I prepare for a renal scan?

Before a renal scan, you should make a complete list of all the medications you are taking. This should include vitamins and herbal supplements. Some medications may need to be stopped a few days before the scan. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®) and aspirin (e.g., Bayer®, St Joseph®) , can affect the results of your renal scan.

It is also very important to tell your healthcare providers about these things:

• Do you have any allergies (such as to certain medications, latex).
• Do you have claustrophobia? Because the camera may be close to your body during the scan.
• Are you afraid of needles (`trypanophobia`)? If so, they will teach you ways to deal with it.
• Are you currently breastfeeding? Because the radioactive material can get into your milk.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant , as the scan may be harmful to the fetus.

Doctors may ask you to drink more water before the scan. You may also need to empty your bladder (i.e. urinate ) before the scan begins.

Another thing, choose clothes that are comfortable to wear . It's a good idea to leave metal objects like glasses and jewelry at home. They can interfere with the scan.

What to expect during the scan?

Typically, this is what happens when a kidney scan is performed:

• A nuclear medicine technologist will place an IV line in a vein in your arm or hand. Then, a substance called a radioisotope or radiotracer will be injected through it.
• You will be made to lie down on an examination table or be intubated. The radioactive material will emit energy (called gamma rays). A gamma camera will capture these rays and make pictures of your kidneys. The technician will view these pictures on a computer screen.
• Depending on the reason you are having the kidney scan, you may be asked to remain still or move into different positions .

How long does a renal scan take?

The time it takes for this varies depending on the type of renal scan. It can usually take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours . Your healthcare provider will let you know this in advance.

What happens after the scan?

After the nuclear medicine technologist removes your IV line, you can go home and resume your normal activities without any problems.

How does that radioactive material leave the body?

The substance called a ``radiotracer`` or ``radioisotope`` leaves your body when you urinate. You won't feel any discomfort or pain from it.

What are the risks of a renal scan?

In fact, the risks of a kidney scan are very low. It uses less radiation than an X-ray.

However, there are a few things that can happen very rarely:

• Allergic reactions (this happens very rarely).
• Discoloration (red, purple, brown, or black), swelling, or pain at the IV site. If this discomfort does not go away within a few days, tell a doctor.

Another thing, it's best to avoid close contact with small children and pregnant women for a few hours after the scan.

When will I get the scan results?

A nuclear medicine technologist or radiologist will review the results of your renal scan. They will then send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will call you to discuss the results and what to do next.

If the results are abnormal, what do you do next?

Remember, sometimes the results don't come out as expected. But don't worry about it.

If your results are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to make an official diagnosis. These tests may include:

• Additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, and/or CT scan .
• Additional kidney function tests.
• A kidney biopsy (which involves taking a small piece of tissue from the kidney and examining it).

When should I call the doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your renal scan. For example:

• Things like how to prepare for the scan and how to make the test easier for you .
• When can you expect your results ?
• What to do if the results are abnormal .
• What is your next step ?

Also, be sure to tell a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• Signs of infection, such as fever, discoloration at the IV site, swelling, or headache.
• If you feel like you're having an allergic reaction.

Finally, remember this.

Healthcare providers use renal scans to diagnose specific kidney conditions. It is generally very safe, with a low risk of complications.After the test, you can return to your normal activities immediately.

But, it's normal to feel a little nervous or anxious about having a test like this. Don't worry. Your healthcare providers are well-trained and experienced to make this test as comfortable as possible for you. If you still have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask them. The health of your kidneys is very important!

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