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Our consultants use renogram scans to find out how well your urinary system is working. This includes your kidneys, bladder and ureter (the tube that connects your kidneys to your bladder). You might also head a renogram scan referred to as MAG3 scan or a MAG3 renogram scan, or a renal scintigraphy.
The scan uses a small amount of radioactivity to obtain a detailed overview of your kidneys and urinary system, focusing on how well (or not well) you are passing urine. The images are taken using a specialised device called a gamma camera.
If you would like to book a private renogram scan, give us a call and one of our advisors will help you to arrange one.
If you are having problems with your kidneys or urinary system and would like to speak to a specialist, our advisors can help you to find the right consultant for you.
The scan uses a small amount of radioactivity to obtain a detailed overview of your kidneys and urinary system, focusing on how well (or not well) you are passing urine. The images are taken using a specialised device called a gamma camera.
If you would like to book a private renogram scan, give us a call and one of our advisors will help you to arrange one.
If you are having problems with your kidneys or urinary system and would like to speak to a specialist, our advisors can help you to find the right consultant for you.
A renogram scan, also known as a renal scan or renal scintigraphy, is a specialised nuclear medicine test used by our teams to discover how well your kidneys and bladder are working. The test is designed to help us understand how urine is processed and moved through your urinary system.
First, a small amount of something called a radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. This tracer makes its way to your kidneys and then into your urine and urinary system.
While the tracer is still in your system, scans are taken of your kidneys and urinary system using a special camera called a gamma camera. This picks up on the radiation emitted by the tracer to create highly detailed images, which can be analysed by your radiologist to assess the function of your urinary system.
A renogram scan is used for several purposes:
Detecting scarring or damage
Assessing kidney function
The test can see and measure how well each kidney is functioning.Diagnosing obstructions
It can also help detect blockages or obstructions in the urinary tract.Evaluating blood flow
Information from the scan can also show any details about blood flow to the kidneys.Monitoring kidney transplants
The scans are also vital for checking the health and function of transplanted kidneys.Detecting scarring or damage
They also can be used to identify areas of scarring or damage in the kidneys, often from infections or chronic diseases.
Who might need a renogram scan?
A renogram scan is usually recommended if people have:
- Suspected kidney obstructions or blockages
- Symptoms of kidney stones
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Reduced kidney function or chronic kidney disease
- Undergone a kidney transplant and need to monitor the transplanted kidney
- High blood pressure related to kidney problems
What are the benefits of a renogram scan?
Renogram scans are relatively painless (apart from the initial tracer injection), non invasive, and provide exceptionally detailed and useful information about the urinary system and kidney function.
They are also particularly good at early detection (and subsequent treatment) of a number of different kidney diseases. The scans also inform the planning and guidance for treatment pathways for a range of kidney conditions.
Renogram scans are used to investigate a number of different conditions, including:
Kidney Stones
Detecting the presence and impact of kidney stones.Hydronephrosis
Evaluating kidney swelling due to urine build up.Renal artery stenosis
Assessing any narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.Pyelonephritis
Diagnosing kidney infections and their impact.Kidney cysts or tumours
The scans can also identify abnormal growths in the kidneys.
Before a renogram scan, you will receive specific instructions from your consultant during the initial consultation. They will advise you to empty your bladder before the scan, to help make the images as clear as possible.
You might also have to stop taking certain medications beforehand, and in some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the scan.
You might also have to stop taking certain medications beforehand, and in some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the scan.
Before the scan, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. A member of the healthcare team will then insert an IV line into one of your veins, to inject the radioactive tracer.
The tracer is injected through the IV, and you may feel a slight cold sensation.
While you lie still, the gamma camera takes pictures, moving around your abdomen to capture multiple images from different angles. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Occasionally, you might need to empty your bladder again during the test to get better images.
How does a renogram scan work?
A renogram scan works by using a radioactive tracer, which is a small amount of radioactive material, injected into a patient’s bloodstream to improve imaging quality. Here’s how it works:The tracer is injected
A small amount of the radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. The tracer travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys.Gamma camera imaging
A gamma camera (a special type of camera sensitive to radioactivity) is used to take pictures of the tracer as it moves through the kidneys and urinary tract.Image and data collection
The gamma camera captures images and data over time, showing how well the kidneys are functioning and how urine is flowing.
How should you prepare for a renogram scan?
As previously mentioned, make sure you follow any instructions about fasting, medication adjustments, and remember to drink plenty of water.
Please bring loose, comfortable clothing to wear while you lie still during the scan, and not impede any moves you might have to make in order to get the most accurate images.
Can anyone have a renogram scan?
Pretty much, yes, most people can safely undergo a renogram scan. However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, due to the small amount of radioactivity, and anyone with a severe allergy to the radioactive tracer.
In general, your consultant will advise you as to the most suitable scan for your circumstances.
What happens after a renogram scan?
After the renogram scan, you’ll be advised to drink plenty of fluids. This helps to keep you hydrated, while also flushing out the radioactive tracer from your body. Usually, you can then leave hospital and go about your activities as normal.Your consultant will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.
A radiographer is the best person to interpret the results of a renogram scan. They will assess your images, and report back to your consultant. The scans will show information about your urinary system, including:
Your consultant will review the images and data, then discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.
Functional assessment
Seeing how well each kidney is functioning and how effectively they are processing and passing urine.Identifying obstructions
Seeking out any blockages or obstructions in the urinary tract, and finding out what they might be.Finding and assessing abnormalities
Focusing on specific areas of scarring, damage, or abnormal growths in the kidneys.Your consultant will review the images and data, then discuss the findings with you at your next appointment.
We understand that you’ll want the results of your scan without delay. Our radiologists will get to work on interpreting the findings as soon as possible, and once they’ve discussed these with your consultant, you’ll be contacted to arrange an appointment to talk them through at your earliest convenience.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- The latest technology to support our highly experienced specialists
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to book a scan or speak with a consultant to learn more about your kidney function, call us today to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
MAG3 renogram scan - Guys and St Thomas
MAG3 scan - infoKID
The renogram - British Nuclear Medicine Society
