DTPA Renogram

What is a DTPA Renogram

A renogram can be performed to assess relative renal function, evaluate possible urinary obstruction, or assess narrowing of the renal artery in patients with high blood pressure.

Please advise us beforehand

Please make staff aware if

• You are or think you could be pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding, claustrophobic and/or if you are the primary/sole carer for small children when you book your appointment.
• You have had any reactions to injections used for imaging.

Please bring any previous nuclear medicine scans or any other scans relating to the current problem.

Inform staff at the time of booking if your referral includes the terms “Lasix”, “Captopril”, “Cystogram” or “GFR” as this can alter the instructions for the test.

Preparation

Drink 1-1.5 litres of water within the hour prior to the test. You may go to the toilet during this time.

You may be asked to fast and/or cease certain medications prior to the test depending on the clinical history.

How long does a DTPA Renogram take

The scan usually takes between 45-90 minutes. This time will change if Captopril challenge or GFR is required.

The DTPA Renogram procedure

Part 1: You will be positioned under the Gamma Camera and given a small injection of a radioactive tracer. This injection shouldn’t make you feel any different and allows images to be taken of the kidneys. Images are commenced at the time of injection and are taken continuously for between 20-40 minutes. During this time a diuretic (Lasix) may be administered to assess for possible obstruction.

Part 2: If a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) assessment is required you will be asked to return 1hour later and will remain on site for 90 minutes. You are welcome to stay on site but we encourage you to bring some food.

After your examination

It is recommended that you minimise close contact with others (especially babies and small children) for up to 4 hours.

There should be no after effects of a DTPA Scan. You may feel the need to void more frequently over the next few hours if you receive an injection of Lasix.

What happens to my results, Images and report

All images for your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal soon after your examination is complete. A report that includes a link to your study will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP Imaging will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Normal and abnormal studies are both important for your management and PRP Imaging encourages you to return to your doctor for review of the results.