Kidney Scan

Nuclear Scan, Kidney, Renal Scan

Results

A kidney scan is a nuclear scanning test that is done to evaluate kidney function or appearance. The results of a kidney scan are usually available in 2 days.

Kidney scan

Normal:	The radioactive tracer flows evenly to and through each kidney at the same time. The kidneys are working normally.
	During a functional study, the tracer should flow from the kidneys into the urine, which then drains into the ureters and bladder. This process occurs within a normal time range.
	For a cortical scan, the kidneys take up the radioactive tracer evenly. No "hot" spots or "cold" spots are seen.
Abnormal:	The kidneys are not normal in shape, size, or location.
	The tracer does not flow evenly through the kidneys, indicating narrowing of, blockage of, or damage to the blood vessels or tissue in the kidneys. This may also mean poor kidney function.
	In a cortical scan, the tracer collects in an area ("hot" spot) of a kidney. This might indicate a tumor containing a higher-than-normal number of blood vessels.
	In a cortical scan, an area of the kidney does not take up the tracer ("cold spot"). This may mean an abscess, cyst, or scarring.
	During a functional study, the tracer does not pass from the kidneys into the urine and then through the ureters to the bladder. This can mean the movement of urine from the kidney is blocked.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
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