Renal Perfusion Scintiscan – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

Renal perfusion scintigraphy; Radionuclide renal perfusion scan; Perfusion scintiscan – renal; Scintiscan – renal perfusion

A renal perfusion scintiscan is a nuclear medicine test. It uses a small amount of a radioactive substance to create an image of the kidneys.

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to take a blood pressure medicine called an ACE inhibitor. The drug may be taken by mouth, or given through a vein (IV). The medicine makes the test more accurate.

You lie on the scanner table shortly after taking the medicine. The health care provider will inject a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) into one of your veins. Images of your kidneys are taken as the radioactive material flows through the arteries in the area. You will need to remain still for the entire test. The scan takes about 30 minutes.

About 10 minutes after you receive the radioactive material, you will be given a diuretic (“water pill”) through a vein. This medicine also helps make the test more accurate.

You can return to normal activities right after the test. You should drink plenty of fluids to help remove the radioactive material from your body.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked to drink plenty of water before the test.

If you are currently taking an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure , you may be asked to stop taking your medicine before the exam. Always talk to your health care provider before you stop any of your medicines.

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown. Remove all jewelry and metallic objects before the scan.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel a small amount of pain when the needle is inserted.

You must remain still during the scan. You will be told when you need to change positions.

There may be some discomfort as your bladder fills with urine during the exam. Tell the person conducting the exam if you must urinate before the scan is complete.

Why the Test is Performed

The test evaluates blood flow to the kidneys. It is used to diagnose narrowing of the arteries that supply the kidneys. This is a condition called renal artery stenosis. Significant renal artery stenosis may be a cause of high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Normal Results

Blood flow to the kidneys appears normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal findings on the scan may be a sign of renal artery stenosis. A similar study that does not use an ACE inhibitor can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Risks

If you are pregnant or nursing, your provider may want to postpone the test. There are certain risks involved with ACE inhibitors. Pregnant women should not take these medicines.

The amount of radioactivity in the injection is very small. Nearly all radioactivity is gone from the body within 24 hours.

Reactions to the materials used during this test are rare, but may include rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis .

Risks of a needle stick are slight, but include infection and bleeding.

Considerations

This test may be less accurate in people who already have kidney disease. Talk to your provider to determine if this is the right test for you. Alternatives to this test are an MRI or CT angiogram.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.