DMSA Scan

What is the purpose of a DMSA scan?
This procedure is usually performed on children to determine if there is any damage to the kidneys as a result of infection.

How is the DMSA scan performed?
The procedure begins with the injection of a small amount of radioactive material into the vein of an arm. The radioactive material will travel through the bloodstream to the kidneys where it can be detected with special equipment.

After the injection, the patient is free to leave for about two hours. It is very important to let the child play and eat during this two-hour period. Do not let the child sleep, so that he/she will sleep, if possible, during the scan.

Upon the patient's return, he/she will be asked to lie on his/her stomach, so that pictures can be taken of the kidneys. It is very important for the patient to hold still for the pictures. If the child has difficulty holding still, a papoose is sometimes necessary to restrain the child.

The child can watch a video during the scan or sleep. The procedure itself takes about an hour, and longer if the child cannot hold still. After the pictures are completed, the nuclear medicine physician decides if any more pictures are needed. If more are needed, they will be taken at this time. Once all images are made, the procedure is complete and the child may leave.

What type of preparation is necessary for the scan?
No special preparation is necessary for the DMSA scan, other than the injection. Following the injection, it is very important to let the child play and get tired.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the images show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she may contact the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the test.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.