Renal Perfusion Scintiscan
Alternate Names : Radionuclide Renal Perfusion Scan, Renal Perfusion Scintigraphy
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How is the Test Performed?
Before the scan you will be asked to drink plenty of water, as it is important to be well hydrated. Shortly before the test, you will be given a medication called an ACE inhibitor, either orally or intravenously (through a vein). This is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It is used in the renal scan to increase the likelihood of identifying a clinically significant renal artery stenosis.
Soon after the ACE inhibitor is given, you are asked to lie on the scanner table and a small amount of radioisotope is injected into a vein. The kidneys are then scanned for approximately 30 minutes. The images are taken as the radioactive material flows through the renal arteries and into the kidneys. It is very important to remain still throughout the examination.
Approximately 10 minutes after the radioisotope is injected, a diuretic, usually furosemide, is given intravenously. Like the ACE inhibitor, the diuretic increases the accuracy of the test.
After the scan, no recovery time is required. You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help excrete the radioactive material from your body.
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