Renal scan Health Article

Special considerations

A scan that shows reduced kidney function may be help identify the cause of the problem. Congenital (present from birth) or other abnormalities of kidney shape or size may contribute to an error in interpreting results of the scan because glomerular filtration rate and other functions are calculated based on normal kidney size and shape. Tests of some functions may require delayed images (1 to 4 hours later).

Advantages of the scan are the ability to determine kidney function without exposure to contrast agents and the ability to obtain quantitative information that may not be obtainable by other procedures.