Note that there are two different Renal (Kidney) scans -- Renal DTPA Scan and Renal DMSA Scan.

Renal DTPA Scan

What is a Renal DTPA Scan?
A renal DTPA scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys, to see how the left and right kidney work comparatively. This test allows any sites of blockage to be identified and detected.

How long does a Renal DTPA Scan take?
Please allow approximately 1 hour to complete your scan

What preparation is there for a Renal DTPA scan?
You must drink 1 litre of water in the 1 hours prior to your examination. You can go to the toilet as often as you need to.
Please advise the practice if you are taking blood pressure medication.
Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card.

What does a Renal DTPA Scan involve?
The basic procedure for performing a DTPA Renal Scan may vary slightly depending on the specific information that we require about your kidneys prior to your scan. For example, a blood pressure tablet or an injection called Lasix may need to be given either prior to or at some stage during the examination.

You will be administered with a small injection of a radioactive tracer. This injection will not make you feel any different. This injection allows the Kidneys and Bladder to be seen by the camera. The scan is started immediately, and images are taken for 30 minutes whilst lying under the camera.
A second injection of Lasix may be given to promote the Kidneys to empty. 
At the end of the scan, you may be asked to go to the toilet and empty your bladder, then return for a further 5 minutes of imaging. 

If your referral includes the term ‘Captopril’ your scan involves being given a blood pressure medication 1 hour before your scan, and your blood pressure will be constantly monitored over the hour, then you will be administered with a small injection of radioactive tracer, this injection will not make you feel any different, and images are taken for 20 minutes.

When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor please advise the staff on the day of your scan.

Are there any costs for this scan?
No, your scan will be Bulk Billed. This means there is NO out of pocket cost for you if you qualify for Medicare.

Renal DMSA Scan