A DMSA scan is part of a range of scans we categorise as nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine offers us a special way of taking images of your body which involves injecting you with a substance which contains a small amount of radioactive material. This is called a tracer and highlights the part of the body we need to see more of in closer detail.
How a DMSA scan works
The DMSA scan allows us to see how well your kidneys are working. The first part of the test involves getting an injection which contains a small amount of radioactive material; this means that your kidneys will show up in the images we take.
Three hours after your injection, we'll ask you to return and lie down on the scanner couch, which is above the camera. The camera will take images, a process which lasts for about 40 minutes. It's sometimes difficult, but we will ask you to remain as still as possible during this time.
Overall, your appointment should take no longer than four hours.
There are currently no related conditions associated with this test.
Concerns you may have
Radiation
The amount of radiation used in a DMSA scan is kept to a minimum. We believe that the benefits of having the test far outweigh any risks. However, to avoid exposing children unnecessarily to radiation, please do not bring them with you to the department. Please ask if you have any questions.
Female patients
You should not have this scan if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Diabetics
You do not need to change your diet or treatment for this scan. Please bring your insulin and any snacks as needed.
Side effects
The substance we give you will not make you sleepy or stop you from driving a car.
After your scan
After your scan, you can eat and drink as usual and continue with your normal daily activities. You can go anywhere you like, but it is best to avoid long periods of close contact with children for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
Results
We will send the results of your scan to the hospital consultant who asked for the test.
We scan many people every day, so we try to keep to your appointment time as closely as possible but should you be late, or if there is an emergency at the hospital, it may not be possible to perform your scan immediately.
Where to find us
The nuclear medicine department is in the ANZAC Centre on the Ground Floor at Harefield Hospital.
Find out how to get to Harefield Hospital.
When you arrive at the hospital, go to the main entrance, and it is behind the main reception desk about 30 metres ahead.
Transport
If you need hospital transport to get to the hospital, please ask your family doctor to arrange this.
Contact us
If you have any questions about your scan, or need to reschedule your appointment, you can call us on 01895 826 514. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.