Glomerular Filtration Rate Test (GFR) - My Child Has

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Glomerular Filtration Rate Test (GFR)

Glomerular Filtration Rate Test (GFR)

Programs that perform this test

Nuclear Medicine/PET Division

What is a GFR Test?

A Glomerular Filtration Rate test is used for the measurement of the volume of plasma filtered through the kidneys per minute.

Why would my doctor request a GFR Test?

A GFR test can help measure kidney function in:

Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy

Patients who have had a renal transplant

Evaluation of renal donors

Patients with a variety of other conditions

How to prepare for a GFR test?

There is no preparation needed. Keep in mind that this test requires a 5 hour time commitment. Therefore, please plan your day accordingly.

How is a GFR test 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 DTPA will be injected into one of your child's veins. A quick picture of the injection site will be taken to assure the success of the injection. After the injection you/your child will be free to leave. You will need to return to the department for blood draws at two, three, and four hours after the injection. In between blood draws you/your child can conduct your normal activities. The technologist will give you exact times to return for each blood draw. If you/your child have a double lumen catheter, it can be used for the blood draws. If not, you/your child can either have an IV placed or have three individual venipunctures for the blood draws. After the last blood draw the examination is complete and you are free to leave.

What can be expected during the procedure?

You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle(s). The needle(s) used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle(s) is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection.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.

What can be expected after the procedure?

Once the study is complete, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.

How are the results of the study obtained?

The study 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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