What is a DMSA kidney scan?

A DMSA scan is a nuclear medicine test that helps us look at your kidneys’ location and structure. We will use a small amount of a radioactive material. This is collected in the kidneys. It can be used to find any damaged areas of the kidneys for example because of repeated urinary tract infections. It also looks at both kidneys to see if they are both working well.

DMSA kidney scan. Two kidney (bean like shapes) in blue, purple and yellow on a black background

Is it safe?

The liquid (radionuclides) used in nuclear medicine are generally safe. They have short half-life. They leave your body naturally like through urine. To get your DMSA scan we need to inject “radiopharmaceutical”. This means a small amount of radioactivity has been mixed with a pharmaceutical that is specific for kidneys. The small radiation risk is outweighed by the information that we will get from the scan.

Do I need to have this scan?

A doctor will have checked the request to make sure this is the best test for you.

If you have any concerns or would like more information contact the department where you are having your scan. If you do not understand why you need to have this scan speak to the doctor who referred you.

How do I prepare for my DMSA scan?

There are nothing you need to do for this test before injection.

Below mentioned are few things to get you ready for the scan once your injection has been done.

  1. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
  2. Empty your bladder as often as you need to
  3. You can eat normally.
  4. Take any medicines as normal
What if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

Due to radiation risk to unborn child this scan should not be done if you are pregnant. If you know that you are pregnant, or there is any chance that you may be pregnant, contact the department on following numbers. Your scan will need to be postponed. Also let us know if you are breast-feeding. We have special instructions for you:

Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle: 01228 814701
West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven: 01946 523456

What will happen?

Your Injection

A small amount of liquid (radioactive tracer) will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand using a small needle. The ‘pinprick’ of the needle may hurt a bit but that is  all. This is almost similar to a blood test you might have had in the past. After the injection you will have to wait for about 1½ to 2 hours. We will let you know the approximate time for the scan. You can leave the department and come back at your scan time if you wish.

Your Scan

The scan is done using a hybrid scanner called SPECT/CT system. It has 2 camera head detectors and a CT scanner. It is not a fully closed system. The camera heads will be close to you. These detectors have touch sensors so they stop moving when they sense your body. This makes it unlikely to touch you.

Hybrid scanner called a SPECT/CT system. A room with a CT scanner and a moving bed next to the bed is a small monitor and phone

Before your scan starts you will be asked to:

  1. Go to the toilet to empty your  bladder
  2. Lie flat on your back on a special couch

The imaging can take about 15 minutes. We will try our best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. A technologist will explain the procedure before starting the scan. They will be in the control room at all times. You will not feel anything during the scan. There are no after effects of this scan. Let us know if you feel any discomfort at any time.

It is very important that you keep still during the scan.

If you think that you will find this difficult speak to a member of the team before your appointment.

After Your Scan 

When your scan is finished the technologist will get you off the scanner. You may continue all your normal activities unless you have been advised not to.

A tiny amount of radioactivity will still be left in your body. This will not be a significant risk to other people around you. The radioactivity will break down on its own. For the rest of the day we suggest that you:

  1. Drink plenty of liquids. This will help clear the radioactivity quicker.
Travelling Abroad 

It is perfectly safe for you to travel abroad after your scan. Many airports and seaports have very sensitive radiation detectors. It is possible that the very small amount of radioactivity left in your body could set off an alarm as you go through security. If you are travelling abroad within 1 week after your scan, it will be helpful to take with you something to explain that you have recently had a this scan. This can be your appointment letter or some other official confirmation from the department where you had your scan.

Your Results 

A nuclear medicine physician / radiologist will report your DAT scan. The report will be sent to the doctor who asked for your scan. Not to your GP. Unless your GP asked for the scan. This is because the doctor who asked for your scan will have all the results from other tests. They will be able to tell you how the result of your DAT scan affects your care plan.

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302