Have you been asked to have a MAG3 scan? Don't worry, let's talk about it (Renal MAG3 Scan)

Has your doctor told you or your child to have a MAG3 kidney scan? It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear the name, especially when you hear the word "radioactive." But it's really nothing to be afraid of. This is a very important and safe test that checks how well your kidneys are working, how well they're getting blood to them, and how well urine is forming and flowing into the bladder.

Simply put, what is a MAG3 scan?

A MAG3 scan is a special test that belongs to nuclear medicine. Okay, don't be afraid of that word. Simply put, this is what happens:

A very small amount of a radioactive substance (we call it a `tracer` or `radiotracer`) is injected into your body. This is a very small, safe dose. This `tracer` travels throughout your body in your blood, and is eventually filtered by your kidneys and excreted in your urine.

When this `tracer` is inside the body, it emits very fine rays (gamma rays). Our eyes cannot see these. However, these rays can be detected using a special camera (`gamma camera`) . The camera takes pictures of the kidneys along these rays. It is like sending a small light into the body and taking pictures with that light.

Why do doctors recommend this scan?

There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend this scan. The main ones are:

• Find out exactly how your kidneys are functioning overall .
• Check if there is any obstruction or blockage anywhere in your urinary system.
• Check whether the urine produced in the kidneys flows properly to the bladder .
• Make sure the blood supply to the kidneys is working properly.
• After a kidney transplant, check to see if it is working well.

In addition, this test is also used to diagnose certain medical conditions. For example:

• Hydronephrosis: This is a condition where the kidneys become swollen with urine.
• Acute tubular necrosis: Sudden damage to the kidneys due to some cause.
• Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the main blood vessel that carries blood to the kidneys.

What is the difference between MAG3 and DTPA scans?

You may have also heard of a DTPA scan. This is another type of scan that looks at the kidneys. The difference is in the 'tracer' used. For some people, especially young children and people with very poor kidney function, the images from DTPA are not very clear.

MAG3 is the chemical name of the `tracer` used for this (`Mercaptoacetyltriglycine`). This `tracer` can take very clear pictures, even for those mentioned earlier. That is why this test is mostly done on young children.

Do you need to prepare for this test in advance?

This usually does not require any special preparation . Unless your doctor has advised otherwise, you can eat, drink, and take your medications as normal.

If your child is having this scan, explain it simply in a way that they can understand. You can say something like, "The doctor is taking a picture of the kidneys in the abdomen, it won't hurt." They can also bring along a favorite toy or book. Many hospitals also let children watch a favorite cartoon. The most important thing is that you can stay with your child throughout the entire procedure.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, you must inform the doctor and the staff conducting the examination .

What happens during the scan?

Let's take a step-by-step look at how this test works. This is a process that usually takes about an hour or two.

In some cases, if the doctor wants, you can have a diuretic injected into your bladder and have the pictures taken while you urinate. Don't worry, the staff will explain this to you beforehand.

Is there any risk in this?

Although the word "radioactive" may sound scary, the MAG3 scan is a very safe test .

• The tracer used has a very low level of radioactivity , which may be less than the exposure from a regular X-ray.
• This `tracer` becomes inactive within a few hours and is completely excreted from the body in the urine .
• The gamma camera that takes the images does not emit any radiation . It only captures the rays coming from inside the body.

When this `tracer` is given in the proper dosage, there is no risk, even to a newborn baby.

What happens after the test?

You can return to your normal activities as soon as the scan is over. There is nothing special to do. Drinking a little extra water throughout the day will help the tracer pass through your body more quickly.

You will usually receive the results of the test (report) within two to three days. In an emergency, you may get the results the same day. A radiologist will review your scans, prepare a report, and send it to your treating doctor. Your doctor will then explain the report to you.

Renal MAG3 Scan, kidney function test, gamma camera, radiotracer