Kidney Scan

Renal Scan

Why It Is Done

A kidney scan is done to:

• Check the blood flow through the kidneys. normal flow may mean narrowed renal arteries that can cause a type of high blood pressure called renovascular hypertension.
• See how a transplanted kidney is working.
• Evaluate the extent of kidney damage caused by an injury.
• Detect an obstruction in the kidney or ureter, such as from a kidney stone.
• Detect growths in the kidneys (rare).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.