DMSA Renal Scan - My Child Has - Children's Hospital Boston

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DMSA Renal Scan

DMSA Renal Scan

Programs that perform this procedure

Nuclear Medicine/PET Division

What is a DMSA Renal Scan?

A DMSA renal scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that is used to evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys.

DMSA Renal Scan Movie
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Why would my doctor request a DMSA Renal Scan?

A doctor can help assess:

Pyelonephritis
Determine relative (differential) renal function in the left and right kidneys
Renal ectopia
Infarction
Hypertension
Horseshoe kidney
Acute renal failure
Multicystic dysplastic kidneys
Trauma

How to prepare for a DMSA Renal Scan?

There is no preparation needed for this test. Please be aware that between the DMSA injection time and the imaging time there is a 3-4 hour delay. In addition, the scan itself may take up to 30 minutes to one hour. Please schedule your day accordingly. Your child may bring a security blanket/toy to hold during the procedure. We have various videos or DVDs to choose from for your child to watch during the procedure or you can bring one from home.

How is a DMSA Renal Scan performed?

You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you/your child what will happen during the examination. A small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m DMSA will be injected into one of your/your child's veins. After the injection, you/your child will be free to leave the department and will be given a time to return for imaging, typically three to four hours after the injection. This delay allows the kidneys to absorb the radiopharmaceutical. When you return, you/your child will be asked to void and imaging will begin. Imaging will be approximately 30-60 minutes. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible to allow for the best possible images.

What can be expected during the procedure?

You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.

What happens after the study?

Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.

How are the results of the study obtained?

The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.

How can additional information be obtained?

For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
Children's Hospital Boston
300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
Boston, MA 02115
Main Number: 617-355-7010
Fax Number: 617-730-0623
Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

How is an appointment scheduled?

To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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