A renogram is a test of the function of your kidneys. You will be given an injection of a small amount of radioactivity that will go to your kidneys and then pass to your bladder. This enables us to see your kidneys on the camera and assess how well they are working. The injection will not make you feel any different. You will be lying down on the scan table as we give you the injection and we will start taking pictures immediately for up to 40 minutes. You will need to keep very still during this time.
Part way through the scan we may give you a second injection of a diuretic. This may make you feel thirsty and need to pass urine more frequently for the following few hours. The whole procedure should take less than one hour.
If you have any queries or are unable to keep this appointment please notify 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.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
You will be able to eat as normal on the day of your scan. Drink plenty of fluids prior to your appointment (about 1 - 2 pints). You can empty your bladder as normal. There is no need to get undressed for the scan. There is no need to stop any of your medication prior to your scan but please tell us if you take a diuretic (water tablet).
Please bring a list of your medications with you when you attend for your appointment.
After the scan we will ask you to empty your bladder so that most of the radioactivity will be out of your body. The rest will disappear naturally. Drinking extra fluids for the rest of the day will help prevent any dehydration from the diuretic. An extra couple of glasses of water will be sufficient.
How will I get the results of my scan?
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you 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 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 12 weeks.
The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the tiny radiation dose you will receive. Further guidance has been published by Public Health England
Visit website - https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/ionising-radiationfrom-medical-imaging-examinations-safetyadvice Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”.
Is there anything I should tell the staff before the injection?
Please tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breast feeding, please ring the department a few days before your appointment.
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 Carers:
If you require support during your appointment you may bring one accompanying adult with you. They will not usually be allowed into the examination room. If you have any additional needs, 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.
