Kidney Scan

Nuclear Scan, Kidney, Renal Scan

Why It Is Done

A kidney scan is done to:

• Check the blood flow through the kidneys. Abnormal 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 or infection.
• Find an obstruction in the kidney or ureter, such as from a kidney stone.
• Find growths in the kidneys (rare).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
© 1995-2009 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.