Patient Preparation Renal Cortical DMSA - Mercy Medical Center ...
Patient Preparation Renal Cortical DMSA - Mercy Medical Center ...
Patient Preparation Renal Cortical DMSA - Mercy Medical Center ...
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Nuclear <strong>Renal</strong> <strong>Cortical</strong> Imaging (<strong>DMSA</strong> Scan)<br />
Nuclear Imaging<br />
<strong>Mercy</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Center</strong><br />
Dubuque, Iowa<br />
What are the indications (reasons) for a<br />
<strong>Renal</strong> <strong>DMSA</strong> Scan?<br />
• To evaluate the renal cortex for scarring from frequent kidney infections.<br />
• To evaluate and quantify differential function of each kidney.<br />
• To detect and localize a renal mass.<br />
• To detect and differentiate between acute and chronic pyelonephritis<br />
• Evaluate renal transplant.<br />
Before the test:<br />
• <strong>Patient</strong> should be well hydrated.<br />
• <strong>Patient</strong> should discontinue ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers.<br />
• Women should always inform their physician or radiology technologist if there is any<br />
possibility that they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding their baby.<br />
During the test:<br />
• There will be two visits to the nuclear medicine department for this exam.<br />
• The first visit will consist of a small injection into a vein in your arm of a radioactive<br />
material.<br />
• In four hours, you will return for your second visit where a nuclear medicine technologist<br />
will take pictures of your kidneys.<br />
• You will lie on a soft bed and two cameras will take four different pictures at various<br />
angles around your abdomen.<br />
• Imaging will take approximately 45 minutes.<br />
• You will be require to hold still.<br />
• You may watch TV or listen to music during the imaging process.<br />
After the test:<br />
• You may return to your normal daily activities.<br />
• A radiologist will review the images shortly after the exam is completed.<br />
• The results from this procedure will be sent to your doctor usually within 24 hours.<br />
Please contact that doctor for follow-up information.<br />
Are there any risks or side affects from<br />
having a Nuclear <strong>Renal</strong> <strong>Cortical</strong> exam?<br />
• There are no risks or side affects of the scan.<br />
• The radioactivity produces very little radiation exposure.
How to contact the Nuclear Medicine<br />
Department at <strong>Mercy</strong>:<br />
Hours of Operation: 7am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday<br />
Phone: 563-589-9039 (Nuclear Medicine)<br />
Phone: 563-589-9040 (General Radiology Dept – after hours)
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