What is a DMSA scan?
A DMSA scan is a test which looks at the function of your child’s kidneys.
How is the test carried out?
You have been given two appointment times.
At the first appointment time your child will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer
into a vein in their arm or hand. This will go to your child’s kidneys and show them up on
the camera so that we can see how they are working. The injection will not make your child
feel any different.
The second appointment time is for the scan. The delay between injection and scan
is needed for the kidneys to take up the injection. We do need your child to keep very
still for the scan pictures. Each picture can take around 5 to 10 minutes. The whole scan
takes around 30 minutes.
Depending on the age of your child, we may ask you to attend Children's Ward before the scan. This is so that specially trained staff can insert a cannula in your child's hand /arm or foot.
If your child is aged between 6 months and 3 years old then it may be necessary to sedate your child in order that they remain still throughout the scan.
The appointment letter will advise you if you need to attend the ward prior to the scan.
Alternatively, we may occasionally carry out the injection in the nuclear medicine department. We would normally apply anaesthetic ‘magic’ cream before the injection so that your child does not feel it.
If you have any queries, or are unable to keep this appointment, please contact us by telephone as soon as possible. This will enable us to offer this appointment to another patient on our waiting list. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01253956789.
- Unless sedation is needed your child will be able to eat and drink as normal on the day of the scan.
- If sedation is likely to be needed you will receive instructions regarding the preparation for this via a phone call prior to the appointment date.
- There is no need for your child to get undressed for the scan.
- There is no need to stop any of your child’s medications prior to the scan. The injection will not react with any medications.
After the scan your child will be able to eat and drink normally. Drinking extra fluids for the rest of the day will help wash the radioactivity out of your child’s body. The rest will disappear naturally
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred your child for the scan. Some doctors will write to you with the results of the scan and some will send you an appointment to come back to the outpatient clinic.
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-rays). We use the smallest dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your child’s condition. The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over a period of 4 months. The results of your child’s scan will give their doctor useful information about their condition and will help them plan their treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the small radiation dose they will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England. Visit website – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ionising-radiation-from-medical-imagingexaminations-safety-advice
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”.
Directions to X-Ray Central
X-ray Central is situated in Area 4 off the main hospital corridor and is signposted.
Please follow the signs for X-Ray Central and report to reception on arrival.
Relatives and escorts
You may bring a friend or relative with you when you attend the department with your child. Please do not bring any additional children with you.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please let us know prior to your appointment.
Car Parking
Car parking is in the multi storey car park at the main entrance of the hospital. Car park charges apply at this hospital. Please bring change with you if you are planning to park on site. You can pay via debit/credit card at the multi-storey carpark.
Other facilities available
At the main entrance to the hospital there is a cafe and shops selling light meals and snacks. There is also a large restaurant for staff and visitors to use.
