What Is a DTPA SCAN?
A DMSA SCAN is a nuclear medicine investigation done for evaluation of kidney’s. In this investigation, a small amount of radiotracer (radiation labelled molecule) is injected into the patient.
DTPA SCAN
What Is the Procedure for a DTPA SCAN?
The basic procedure for performing a DTPA Renal Scan may vary slightly depending on the specific information that we require about your kidneys prior to your scan. For example a blood pressure tablet or an injection called Lasix may need to be given either prior to or at some stage during the examination.
- Prior to the scan a small injection of the ‘kidney tracer’ will be injected into a vein in your arm
- The scan is started immediately
Delayed images are may be required on a case to case basis.
How to Prepare Dor a DTPA SCAN?
The scan is performed with the Gamma Camera underneath the scanning bed close to your body but you do not go through a ‘tunnel’. You will not be required to undress for the scan.
- Please inform booking staff if you are, or think you could be, pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Advise staff of any blood pressure medication you are taking
- Please bring any previous relevant X-rays or scans to your appointment
- Recent Serum Creatinine report (not older than 4 weeks) is required
- You must drink 1-2 litre of water in the 2 hours prior to your examination
- You can go to the toilet as often as you need to
- You may be in the department for a period of between 30 and 120 minutes in total or longer depending on your medical history and the type of scan required
- You should not experience any side effects from the examination