What is a renal scan/kidney scan?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is renal scan/kidney scan used for?

A renal scan/kidney scan is used to capture images of your kidneys through X rays or CT scans. The doctor may order a renal scan to visualise any blockage in blood flow or urine flow. The uses of renal scan can also be for localisation of tumours, abscesses and other structural disturbances in the kidney. 

Understanding the test results of renal scan/ kidney scan test

The test results of a scanning test are best understood by the radiologist. The images can be used to see any blockage in the urinary tract or in the arteries. The doctor will also try to find any tumour disease process within the kidneys. To get a second opinion on your test results, contact us now. 

Why do I need a renal scan/kidney scan?

Your doctor may ask you to get a renal scan/ kidney scan if you have been experiencing problems with urination or for high-risk patients with diabetes, hypertension, or cancer. A renal scan can help the doctor rule out any disease process in the kidneys or find blockages in blood or urine flow if any. 

What happens during renal scan/kidney scan?

A radioactive tracer substance will be injected into your body during the test. You will be asked to lie down or sit perfectly still as a camera records the images through X-rays. A catheter can also be inserted to empty your bladder completely. Your doctor may place you on additional diuretics before the tests. 

How long does it take to get renal scan results?

The time for the test results can vary depending on the type of scan that has been performed. A renal ultrasound result can be received within 24 hours or shorter if there is an emergency. Generally, a renal scan does not take longer than 1-2 days for the test results to arrive.

Can a renal ultrasound show kidney damage?

Yes. A renal ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic method to visualise any changes within the kidney. It can show increased or decreased size of the kidneys, presence of tumours or infections within the kidney, or obstruction that might lead to fluid collection. Book an appointment with us for your renal ultrasound. 

What is the best scan for kidneys?

A CT scan is generally considered the best scan for the kidneys. It can produce bright images of the kidney with the help of a radioactive substance and clearly show any internal bleeding, obstruction, disease process, cysts, or tumours. The side effects of the CT scan are the radioactive exposure that comes with X-rays. 

How do I prepare for a renal scan?

No special preparations are required for a renal scan procedure. Your doctor will explain the procedure before injecting the radioactive substance into your body. Inform the doctor about any kind of claustrophobia that you might experience with the imaging devices. You might be asked to void your bladder entirely before the scan.

Why would a doctor order a kidney scan?

A doctor generally orders a kidney scan to rule out any kind of infection or cancer in the kidneys and to assess their structural integrity. A renal scan may be ordered for high-risk patients to find out the real cause of hypertension or infection. A kidney scan can also help the doctor locate obstruction to urine flow. 

Is fasting required for a renal scan?

Fasting is not required for a renal scan. However, your urinary bladder must be entirely empty before a renal scan. For this, the doctor may place you on diuretics or ACE inhibitors. During the test, a catheter can also be inserted for the same. You can book an appointment with us for your renal scan.