Static renal scintigraphy
Static renal scintigraphy is a diagnostic procedure that allows detailed evaluation of the kidney form, size, position as well as inflammatory and post inflammatory renal changes. This technique is mostly used to assess renal scarring due to urinary tract infections or vesicoureteral reflux.
The study makes use of the radioisotope tracer Tc99m-DMSA. Static renal scintigraphy is absolutely safe, since neither isotope nor tracer cause allergic reactions. Since technetium isotope has low radiation energy and a short half-life (about 6 h), it has been widely used in the nuclear imaging throughout the world since 50 years.
How should I prepare for the scan?
- no fasting is required before the procedure,
- you can take all your medication as usual,
- please bring your medical records (incl. all medical imaging records) to the appointment with you.
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breast feeding.
How is the scan performed?
- The patient receives an intravenous injection of the radiopharmaceutical. Scintigraphic images are recorded 2-3 h after the isotope administration. The scan is performed in the supine position and takes 15 to 20 minutes.
What do I need to do after the scan?
- avoid contact with children and pregnant women for 24 hours,
- increase fluid intake for 24 hours to speed up tracer elimination,
- f the renal scan was performed on a baby: please remove the baby’s diaper containing radioactive urine before returning home and leave it in the clinic bathroom.
