Dynamic kidney scan (MAG3) Patient information leaflet (310kB pdf)
Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your dynamic kidney scan examination. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a dynamic kidney scan?
A dynamic kidney scan is a test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer that is injected into the bloodstream to obtain pictures of your kidneys and how they function. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and gives off radiation in the form of gamma rays, which are detected by a special gamma camera and a computer to create images of your kidneys. This type of test does not usually take more than one hour to complete.
Why do I need a dynamic kidney scan?
You are having this examination as it will help your doctor to decide on the cause of your symptoms. This procedure will give clearer information to the clinicians treating you.
What are the associated risks?
The amount of radioactive tracer used to take the pictures is very small and the radioactivity is short lived. The risk is outweighed by the benefit from the information that is gained by having the scan. A doctor will have checked the request to make sure this is the optimal test before we contact you. This procedure involves receiving a dose of a radioactive tracer, this does not have any known side effects and does not make you feel drowsy.
Preparing for your procedure (including medication)
Please contact the department if you are taking water tablets (diuretic) before the day of your appointment as we may have to stop them before the scan. You may continue to take any other medication as normal.
On the morning of your scan you can eat normally and we would advise you to drink more fluids (tea, coffee, water or juice). This is to ensure you are well hydrated to obtain a more accurate function of your kidneys.
PREGNANCY: If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please tell the radiographer before your appointment date, as we may need to postpone the scan or give special instructions with regard to breastfeeding.
Getting to us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX), follow the signage to the radiology reception, which is located on the ground floor, green zone. Please let the receptionists know that you have arrived for your appointment.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive in the radiology department at the time arranged with the nuclear medicine department when booking your appointment. You may receive an appointment letter in the post and this may be followed up with a text confirmation.
Can someone stay with me in the hospital?
You are able to have a friend or relative attend with you, as long as they are not young children or pregnant; however, due to ionising radiation regulations, only patients are allowed in the scanning room. (If the child is the patient then obviously parents may accompany them for their scan).
Children are not allowed in the waiting area unattended. Our staff are not permitted to supervise children, so please ensure child care arrangements are in place to avoid your tests being rescheduled.
The day of the procedure
A member of the nuclear medicine team will collect you from the waiting area and bring you into our preparation room, where they will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will then have a cannula inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.
The procedure
Following cannulation, you will be asked to lie still on the scanning table and an injection of the diuretic and the radio tracer will be given and the scan will be started immediately. This part of the examination may take up to 30 minutes. Once the scan is complete you will be asked to go and empty your bladder, one further picture is then taken and you are free to go home.
Sometimes we may ask you to pass urine while we continue to take pictures; this is called a Micturating Cystogram.
After the procedure
You can eat, drink as normal and go where you wish. Please avoid close contact with children and pregnant women for the rest of the day. Close contact means having a child sit next to you for more than half an hour. This is to avoid exposing children to unnecessary radiation. Please continue drinking more than usual to help clear the radiation from your body. Please be aware you may pass urine more frequently due to the effects of the diuretic medication.
Can I drive after my procedure?
You are able to drive as soon as you are discharged from the department.
How soon can I return to work?
It is advisable to return to work the following day after your scan. However, if you wish to discuss this further, please contact the department using the telephone number at the end of this leaflet.
When will I get my results?
You will not know the results of your examination immediately. The radiologist will report their findings to the clinician who arranged your procedure, who will discuss the results with you. It usually takes a couple of weeks for the results to become available.
Contacting the team
If you have any further questions, please contact the nuclear medicine team on:
- 01279 827120, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
There is an answerphone available outside of these hours. Please leave a message and a member of the team will contact you.
Your feedback matters
- If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team at [email protected] or 01279 827211
- Please contact the communications team at [email protected] if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.