Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Dynamic Renal Scan (MAG3)
Programs that perform this procedure
Nuclear Medicine/PET Division  
What is a Renal MAG3 Scan?
A Renal MAG3 scan a diagnostic imaging procedure that allows your doctor visualize the kidneys and learn more about how they are functioning.
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Why would my doctor request a Renal MAG3 Scan?
A MAG3 can help:
  • Detect and evaluate hyrdronephrosis
  • Determine relative (differential) renal function in the right and left kidneys
  • Detect and evaluate obstruction in the renal collecting system
  • Detect acute tubular necrosis
  • Evaluate renal function in children allergic to radiographic contrast
  • Evaluate renal perfusion and function in certain cases of renal immaturity
  • Evaluate renal trauma
How to prepare for a Renal MAG3 Scan?
Please let us know if you/your child take a diuretic (water pill). Your child may bring a security blanket/toy with them 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 MAG3 Scan performed?
You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you/your child what will happen during the examination. To perform the examination, an IV catheter is placed in one of you/your child's veins so fluid can be given to keep you/your child hydrated. After the IV insertion, in some cases a bladder catheter will be inserted. The catheter will keep the bladder empty during the entire procedure. The technologist will then inject a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m MAG3 through the IV catheter and begin imaging. Imaging continues for 20 minutes and a nuclear medicine physician will determine if a second phase, called a diuretic renogram, needs to occur. If so, this involves administering a diuretic called Lasix (Furosemide) through the same IV. This diuretic will cause you/your child's kidneys to make more urine than normal for a short period of time. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible during the imaging to obtain the best quality images.
What can be expected during the procedure?
You/your child may feel discomfort with the placement of the catheter. Our personnel are aware of the sensitive nature of the area to be tested and every effort is made to ensure privacy and to make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible.

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 and the scan is complete, the needle will be withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape will be 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.
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which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
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