Division of Medical Imaging Department of Nuclear Medicine Womens and Childrens Hospital MAG3 RENAL

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Division of Medical ImagingDepartment of Nuclear
MedicineWomens and Childrens HospitalMAG-3
RENAL SCAN

• Mag - 3 renal scan
• A MAG-3 renal scan assesses renal function and
  drainage where renal abnormalities such as
  hydronephrosis or renal obstruction are
  identified.
• procedure
• The test requires an injection of a small amount
  of radioactive material into a vein. This
  solution is delivered to the kidneys via the
  bloodstream.
• After the injection, scans are immediately taken
  of the kidneys to assess drainage.
• The patient is required to keep very still for
  the images. We therefore position and secure the
  patient to the scanning table before commencing
  the study.
• The images usually takes about 25 minutes to
  complete.
• Our doctors will then evaluate the images and in
  some instances, a diuretic drug, Lasix, will be
  given to assist kidney drainage. In this case,
  extra images are taken for a further 20 minutes.
• IMAGES
• The injection contains radioactive material that
  emits gamma rays which are detected by the
  camera. The camera and the computer convert these
  rays to an image of the kidneys.

• Patient preparation
• Emla cream a local anaesthetic cream is
  recommended for all children over 6 months of
  age. The EMLA cream will numb the skin prior to
  giving the injection.
• All Children as we are assessing kidney
  function, it is important the child is well
  hydrated. It is recommended at least 1 litre of
  fluid is consumed before the test.
• There is no need to fast from solid food for this
  study, and the child is free to go to the toilet
  as needed as it is not necessary to have a full
  bladder for this scan.

WCH-Nuclear Medicine-Pamphlets CL-4007 Version
1.1 Issued Dec 05 Review Dec 06