Renogram for adults

Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive.

Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.

Your doctor has requested a Renogram and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.

Please read through everything very carefully.

What is this study going to show?

The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures of your Urinary tract (kidneys, ureters & bladder). This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.

Please allow approximately three hours for the study.

Is the radioactivity harmful?

Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low.  The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you.  This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.

Preparing for the study

No specific preparation is required; however we ask you to be well hydrated before the test.

What does the study involve?

Lasix Injection

At the beginning of the study we will put a small cannula in your arm and inject Lasix/furosemide into a vein which will increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and help with the diagnosis.

Radioactive tracer injection

10 minutes later after you have emptied your bladder a second injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer will be given using the same cannula. You will be lying down on your back while the injection is being done and the scan starts straight after this injection.

Renogram

Before the Renogram scan you will be required to remove any metal that may be in the abdominal area.

The scan takes about 25 minutes after which you will leave the camera room to go to the toilet and then return for a one minute image.

Delayed imaging

We might do two more images over the next 2 hours at given times. During these waiting times you can leave the department and empty your bladder if required.

How long does the test take?

Your stay with us will be about 3hours.

Further information

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.

Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415

If you are is currently on any medication please continue having them. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room. Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).   

What measures I have to take?

We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body.

What happens to the study results?

A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test. 

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.

Contact information

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415