Renogram; Kidney scan – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 8 min read
Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Patient Mode

Understand this article easily

Switch between simple English and easy Bangla patient notes. This is for education and does not replace a doctor consultation.

Renogram; Kidney scan A renal scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys. How the Test is Performed The specific type of scan may vary. This article provides a general overview....

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Renogram; Kidney scan A renal scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys. How the Test is Performed The specific type of scan may vary. This article provides a general overview. A renal scan is similar to a renal perfusion scintiscan. It may be done along with that test. You will...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains How the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How to Prepare for the Test in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How the Test will Feel in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Why the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Before reading

RX Patient Tools

Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.

Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.

Renogram; Kidney scan

A renal scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys.

How the Test is Performed

The specific type of scan may vary. This article provides a general overview.

A renal scan is similar to a renal perfusion scintiscan. It may be done along with that test.

You will be asked to lie on the scanner table. The health care provider will place a tight band or blood pressure cuff on your upper arm. This creates pressure and helps your arm veins become bigger. A small amount of radioisotope is injected into a vein. The specific radioisotope used may vary, depending on what is being studied.

The cuff or band on the upper arm is removed, and the radioactive material moves through your blood. The kidneys are scanned a short time later. Several images are taken, each lasting 1 or 2 seconds. The total scan time takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

A computer reviews the images and provides detailed information about how your kidney works. For example, it can tell your doctor how much blood the kidney filters over time. A diuretic drug (“water pill”) may also be injected during the test. This helps speed up the passage of radioisotope through your kidneys.

You should be able to go home after the scan. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help remove the radioactive material from the body.

How to Prepare for the Test

Tell your health care provider if you take any nonsteroidal infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood pressure medicines. These drugs might affect the test.

You may be asked to drink additional fluids before the scan.

How the Test will Feel

Some people feel discomfort when the needle is placed into the vein. However, you will not feel the radioactive material. The scanning table may be hard and cold. You will need to lie still during the scan. You may feel an increased urge to urinate near the end of the test.

Why the Test is Performed

A renal scan tells your provider how your kidneys work. It also shows their size, position, and shape. It may be done if:

  • You cannot have other x-rays using contrast (dye) material because you are sensitive or allergic to them, or you have reduced kidney function
  • You have had a kidney transplant and your doctor wants to check how well the kidney is working and look for signs of rejection
  • You have high blood pressure and your doctor wants to see how well your kidneys are working

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results are a sign of reduced kidney function. This may be due to:

  • Acute or chronic kidney failure
  • Chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  • Complications of a kidney transplant
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Hydronephrosis
  • Injury of the kidney and ureter
  • Narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the kidney
  • Obstructive uropathy

Risks

There is a slight amount of radiation from the radioisotope. Most of this radiation exposure occurs to the kidneys and bladder. Almost all radiation is gone from the body in 24 hours. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Very rarely, a person will have an allergic reaction to the radioisotope, which may include severe anaphylaxis.

FAQ

What is a renogram test?

  • A renogram or renal scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to examine your kidneys and their function. The scan evaluates the blood flow through the kidneys and measures the amount of time it takes for the tracer to move through the kidneys, collect in the urine and drain into the bladder.

How is a renogram done?

  • A Nuclear Medicine Renogram is performed using a special radioactive material that, when injected into the bloodstream shows the kidney blood supply and filtering action of the kidneys. Nuclear Medicine scans are performed using very small amounts of radioactive material.

Why do I need a renogram?

  • A renogram is a nuclear medicine test of the kidneys. It can be used to see how well each kidney is working and whether urine passes on into the bladder without obstruction.

Is a renogram a CT scan?

  • A renal scan involves the use of nuclear radioactive material to examine your kidneys and assess their function. A renal scan is also known as a renal scintigraphy, nuclear renal imaging, or a renogram. Other forms of renal imaging include CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs.

What causes kidney stones?

Causes of kidney stones
  • Possible causes include drinking too little water, exercise (too much or too little), obesity, weight loss surgery, or eating food with too much salt or sugar. Infections and family history might be important in some people.

What is a DTPA scan test?

  • A renal DTPA scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys, to see how the left and right kidney work comparatively. This test allows any sites of blockage to be identified and detected.

Does a renal scan hurt?

  • The kidney scan is not painful. But you may have some discomfort or pain from lying still during the test, or the insertion of the IV. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and do the scan as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

Can I eat before a renogram?

  • Your renogram pictures will be processed to produce a graph showing how quickly the tracer passes through your kidneys and into your bladder. Unless your doctor has told you to have restricted fluids, please make sure that you drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks before the renogram. You can eat normally.

What is EC renogram?

  • DTPA/EC Renal scan is a process of injecting a radiotracer to assess the function and drainage pattern of your kidneys.

What is the best scan for kidneys?

  • CT scans of the kidneys are useful in the examination of one or both of the kidneys to detect conditions such as tumors or other lesions, obstructive conditions, such as kidney stones, congenital anomalies, polycystic kidney disease, accumulation of fluid around the kidneys, and the location of abscesses.

Are kidneys sensitive to radiation?

  • In radionuclide therapy—a form of internal RT used for various cancers including neuroendocrine tumors—the kidneys are especially susceptible for radiation toxicity because of the glomerular filtration, tubular absorption, and retention of the proximal tubules of radionuclides.

Where do you feel kidney stone pain?

  • Common symptoms of kidney stones include sharp, cramping pain in the back and side. This feeling often moves to the lower abdomen or groin. The pain often starts suddenly and comes in waves. It can come and go as the body tries to get rid of the stone.

What are the first signs of passing a kidney stone?

Other warning signs of kidney stones may be more noticeable.
  • Nausea and Vomiting. Kidney stones can make you feel sick to your stomach.
  • Blood in the Urine. Seeing your pee take on a shade of pink or red is alarming.
  • Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Pee. Urine can change in other ways too.
  • Problems with Flow.
  • Fever and Chills.

How do you prepare for a Renogram?

  • Is there any preparation before this scan? There is no preparation for this scan. If it is necessary for you to stop taking any medication you will be contacted prior to your scan. You do not need to fast for this scan although you are asked to drink 2/3 glasses of water prior to your scan time.

How do I prepare for a kidney scan?

  • Unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider before the ultrasound, you can eat or drink as normal on the day of your test. If your provider needs a post-void of your bladder, you’ll be required to drink 30 ounces of water an hour before the exam and not use the restroom until after the ultrasound.

How long does a renal scan last?

  • The kidneys are scanned a short time later. Several images are taken, each lasting 1 or 2 seconds. The total scan time takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. A computer reviews the images and provides detailed information about how your kidney works.

What is DMSA and DTPA renal scan?

  • A DMSA scan is usually static imaging, while other radiotracers like DTPA and MAG3 are usually used for dynamic imaging to assess renal excretion. The major clinical indications for this investigation are. Detection and/or evaluation of a renal scar, especially in patients having vesicoureteric reflux (VUR)

Is kidney stone pain worse at night?

  • Usually, people with kidney stones have more pain in the late night and early morning. This is due to the fact that people normally urinate less during the late night and early morning and at this time the ureter remains constricted.

Can I drive after a renal scan?

  • You can go back to your normal activities after having it, as the tracer is removed from your body naturally in urine. This test is safe because it does not have the risk of toxicity or allergic reaction as with IV dyes.

What should you not do before a kidney ultrasound?

  • EAT/DRINK: Drink a minimum of 24 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder prior to the procedure. Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.

How is a renogram done?

  • A Nuclear Medicine Renogram is performed using a special radioactive material that, when injected into the bloodstream shows the kidney blood supply and filtering action of the kidneys. Nuclear Medicine scans are performed using very small amounts of radioactive material.

What is DTPA Renogram test?

  • DTPA scan full form is Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid. What is DTPA Renogram Scan? DTPA is a radiopharmaceutical used in a DTPA renal scan. It is basically medicine. A DTPA renal scan is done to check the supply of the blood, the excretion, and the function of the urine from the kidneys.

Why do I need a renogram?

  • A renogram is a nuclear medicine test of the kidneys. It can be used to see how well each kidney is working and whether urine passes on into the bladder without obstruction.
Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

General physician, urologist, nephrologist, or gynecologist depending on symptoms.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write burning, frequency, fever, flank pain, blood in urine, pregnancy, diabetes, and previous UTI history.

Questions to ask

  • Is this UTI, stone, prostate problem, diabetes-related, or another cause?
  • Do I need urine culture before antibiotics?

Tests to discuss

  • Urine routine/microscopy
  • Urine culture for recurrent/severe infection or treatment failure
  • Blood sugar and kidney function when indicated
  • Ultrasound if stone/obstruction/recurrent symptoms

Avoid these mistakes

  • Avoid self-starting antibiotics; wrong antibiotic can cause resistance.
  • Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, pregnancy, vomiting, confusion, or inability to pass urine.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Renogram; Kidney scan – Indications, Procedures, Results

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

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

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

More from this topic
  1. Hemoglobin A1c Test

    DefinitionThe hemoglobin? A1c test—also known as glycated hemoglobin?, glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, or simply A1c—is used to measure an individual’s glucose control levels. The test shows average blood sugar...

    November 6, 2025 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  2. Orbital Decompression Surgery

    DefinitionOrbital decompression is an operation to make more room inside the eye socket. The eye socket is called the “orbit.” It is a cone-shaped space made...

    August 18, 2025 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  3. Olfactory Nerve Disorders

    DefinitionOlfactory nerve disorders affect our sense of smell. This can impact our ability to enjoy food, detect danger like gas leaks, or even notice warning signs...

    May 8, 2024 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  4. Biological Terrain Assessment (BTA)

    DefinitionBiological Terrain Assessment (BTA) is a holistic approach to understanding the health of our bodies by examining various aspects of our biological terrain. In simpler terms,...

    December 15, 2023 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  5. Ingrown Toenai – onychocryptosis or uunguisincarnatus

    DefinitionIngrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis or uunguisincarnatus, is the most common nail problem encountered in both general practice and dermatology.[rx] An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail...

    July 8, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  6. Physical Exam HEENT

    DefinitionHEENT stands for “head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.” If someone is experiencing symptoms that affect those areas, such as sneezing, congestion, and a sore throat,...

    May 6, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  7. Thyroid Function Tests

    Thyroid? Function tests are used to tell if your thyroid? gland is functioning properly by measuring the number of thyroid hormones in your blood. They are...

    April 15, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  8. Thyroid Gland Function Tests – Indications, Procedures, Results

    The TSH test and the T4 test are the two most common thyroid? function tests. The TSH test is often done first because it’s the best way...

    April 15, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  9. TIBC Test

    DefinitionA total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in your blood measures the...

    April 15, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)
  10. Shaded Surface Display (SSD) Test

    A shaded surface display (SSD) test (sometimes called feature-extraction or iso-surfacing) is a surface-rendered 3D image-producing system that provides a realistically looking three-dimensional view image of...

    April 9, 2022 • Rx Lab Test (A - Z)