About Nuclear Medicine Renal Imaging
A renal imaging scan is a simple outpatient test that involves injecting small amounts of radioactive substances called “tracers” into the body, and then recording images of the kidneys and bladder using a special camera that is sensitive to the tracers. The images obtained can help in the diagnosis and treatment of certain kidney diseases.

Renal exams show various structures that make up the kidney, and also indicate how well the kidneys are functioning.

What to expect
You will be asked to lie comfortably on an exam table. A nuclear medicine technologist will position the camera as close as possible to your kidney to obtain the best images.

The technologist will administer the radiopharmaceutical tracer material either with one injection or through an intravenous (IV) line. Imaging will begin immediately after the tracer is injected.

You must lie still during imaging to prevent blurring. Renal imaging exams take from 45 minutes to two hours complete, but most typically require about 45 to 60 minutes. Once satisfactory images have been obtained, a nuclear medicine radiologist will interpret them and will send a report to your physician.

Patient preparation
No preparation is ordinarily necessary for a kidney nuclear medicine scan. We may ask you to refrain from taking certain medications before the scan as they might interfere with the test. Specific instructions will be given to you when scheduling your exam.

Side effects and complications
Nuclear medicine exams produce no known complications.

Follow-up care
No follow-up care is required for diagnostic nuclear medicine exams. Contact your doctor for any further instructions.