Renogram
A Renogram looks at the function of your kidneys, by assessing the perfusion, uptake and concentration, and excretion of the injected radiotracer.
There is no specific preparation and you may eat and drink normally before your appointment. Keep yourself hydrated for the 24h before the scan.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is essential that you let us know before your appointment date. If you are a female of child bearing age (12-55 years old). You will be asked about your pregnancy and breastfeeding status. If you are unable to confirm you are not pregnant a pregnancy test may be performed.
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel one is required.
Upon your arrival a radiographer will explain the procedure to you and will ask you a few questions about your health records. You will then have a IV-line inserted into your arm and be positioned on the scan table. Once in position you will have a small amount of radioactive tracer injected through the cannula. This is carried through the bloodstream to your kidneys and then excreted into the bladder. It emits gamma rays which will be detected by a piece of equipment called a gamma camera. This is a very quiet machine and you do not go through a tube or tunnel.
Halfway through the procedure you may receive an injection of a diuretic through the cannula. This will depend on your clinical indication. This encourages the kidneys to excrete the tracer more rapidly, and helps our doctors to have more information about your kidneys.
At the end of the scan, depending on your clinical indications, you might be asked to empty your bladder (or change the nappy if not potty trained) whilst sitting on a bed pan. Pictures will be taken while you do this to check if any urine is refluxing from the bladder back to kidneys. Your privacy is maintained during the scan. If you are concerned please discuss your concerns with the radiographer.
The examination takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Your scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine trained member of staff which stays with you in the room while scanning.
You can bring a friend or relative with you and they may accompany you for the injection or scan.