Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your child’s static kidney scan with sedation. Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a static kidney scan (DMSA)?
A DMSA scan is used to assess the function and location of the kidneys, to check how well the kidneys are working. It is also used to show any potentially scarred areas in the kidneys, which may not be working as well as they should. It works by injecting a radioactive tracer (a radioactive solution often known as radiotracer or radioactive isotope) into the vein which is then absorbed by the kidneys.
Why does my child need to have a DMSA scan and what is the need for sedation?
Your child will have this scan as it will help the doctor to decide on the cause of your child’s symptoms. This procedure/examination will give clearer information to the specialists treating your child, without causing any side effects or discomfort to them. These scans are lengthy procedures which will require the patient to remain still for approximately 30 minutes, so oral sedation enables the nuclear medicine team to obtain diagnostic images with minimal movement from your child. DMSA examinations require cannulation for the injection part of the scan and will be done before sedation is given.
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.
Pregnancy
If the parent/ guardian is pregnant or think they may be pregnant please tell the radiographer before the appointment date, as you may need to arrange someone else to attend nuclear medicine with your child for their scan.
Preparing for your child’s procedure
On the morning of your child’s appointment, please could you contact Dolphin ward on 01279 827173 to check bed availability at 7am. If you cannot get through please keep trying as there is no answerphone service. Try not to dress your child in clothing that has any metal or zips so we do not disturb the child once they have been sedated.
Please keep your child nil by mouth before attending Dolphin ward. This includes;
- 6hrs for solids and milk (including formula)
- 4hrs for breast milk
- 2hrs for water
Can a parent/guardian/next of kin stay with the child for the DMSA scan?
Parents/guardians/next of kin are welcome to attend the appointment, but a maximum of two will be allowed to enter the scanning room with the child.
Medication
Unless directed by your consultant please continue to take all medications as usual prior to the scan.
Getting to us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX) follow the signage to Dolphin Ward, which is located on the first floor, green zone.
When should I arrive?
You should take your child directly to Dolphin ward for their cannulation at the given appointment time. A notification through text or letter should have been sent to you to confirm this appointment.
You do not need to go to the nuclear medicine department first.
When you reach Dolphin ward please press the call bell at the door (on the right-hand side on the wall) as the staff will need to let you in. This is where you will be then taken to a specific bay/area where your child will be cannulated for the injection part of the scan.
This procedure is completed in two parts
PART ONE (Cannulation on Dolphin ward and attending Nuclear medicine for the
injection)
When you arrive on Dolphin ward you will be greeted by a staff nurse who will introduce themselves, admit your child to the ward and allocate them a bed bay. They are also there to answer any questions you may have. Your child will first be weighed and a set of observations taken (e.g. temperature and pulse rate). A doctor will then assess your child to make sure they are fit and well enough to have the sedation. If your child is unwell on the day the scan may be postponed. Once the initial checks are complete, a cannula will be inserted and directions to nuclear medicine will be given for you to attend for your child’s injection. When your child reaches the nuclear medicine department a member of the team will greet you, explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Your child will then be given an injection via their cannula, where a small amount of radioactivity will be injected. This injection does not have any known side effects. After the injection you will be advised of the time to return to Dolphin ward for the sedation process which is usually an hour before the DMSA scan.
PART TWO (returning to Dolphin ward for oral sedation and to Nuclear medicine for
the DMSA scan)
On return to dolphin ward oral medication will be given to your child to sedate them. The time it takes for children to fall asleep varies. On average this can take 15-60 minutes. When your child is asleep the nurses will inform the nuclear medicine department, and the porters will be organised to collect your child from the ward to take you to the department. Your child will then be transferred and positioned on the scanning table. The radiographers will try to make your child as comfortable as possible. This part of the examination may take up to 30 minutes.
After the procedure
After the DMSA scan is complete the porters will be informed and they will take you back to Dolphin ward, where you will remain until your child wakes up. The time it takes to wake up can vary from patient to patient. Once your child is awake and alert they can then have something to eat and drink. You may wish to bring your own snacks but the ward can provide a meal. You will be given a menu on arrival to select your choice.
Food will only be provided for your child but feel free to bring food in for yourself.
When your child is fully awake a discharge summary will be provided summarising your child’s stay. Once this is done you can go home. Try to encourage your child to drink more than usual to help clear the radiation from their body.
As your child will be slightly radioactive they should avoid close contact with other children and pregnant women for the rest of the day. Close contact means having a child sit next to them for more than half an hour. This is to avoid exposing other children to unnecessary radiation.
As your child’s urine will now be slightly radioactive for the next 24 hours please wear gloves to change your child’s nappy, bag and dispose the used nappy in an outside bin.
When will I get my child’s results?
You will not know the results of your child’s 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.
Dolphin ward telephone number: – 01279 827173
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.