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Renal Scan with Lasix- Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine

About the Test

Your doctor has ordered a renal scan with lasix. The renal scan portion of the test shows the size, shape, and function of your kidneys. Sometimes when kidney function is decreased, the doctor wants to know if the kidneys respond to a diuretic. The lasix portion of the test measures this response.

Your total test time is about 2 hours. The amount of radiation used in this test is small, and well within limits that are safe.

Preparation for the Test

There is no preparation for the test.

Please come to the Nuclear Medicine Reception Desk, Room 8-148 in the Galter Pavilion, 201 E. Huron at your scheduled appointment time.

If you have any questions about this test, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 312-926-2514, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-5:00 pm.

During the Test

When you arrive in the Nuclear Medicine Department, a doctor will ask you questions about your medical history. You will then be asked to lie on a table and will be given an intravenous (into the vein) injection of a radioactive tracer. If you think you might be pregnant, please inform the technologist (tech) before you are given any injection.

Pictures of your kidneys and bladder will be taken continuously for 30 minutes. At the end of 30 minutes the tech will ask you to empty your bladder. You will be asked to sit in front of the camera and one more picture of your kidneys and bladder will be taken. After this picture, a doctor will give you an injection of lasix. Pictures of your kidneys and bladder will again be taken continuously for 30 minutes.

At the end of 30 minutes the tech will ask you to empty your bladder. You will be asked to sit in front of the camera and one more picture of your kidneys and bladder will be taken. Before you leave the department, the doctor will review your renal scan.

D

After the Test

You may resume your normal diet and activities. The injection you were given is not harmful and will become non-radioactive within hours. The results of the test will be mailed to your doctor within 48 hours of the exam.

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Developed by:

Nuclear Medicine,

Department of Radiology

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