MAG3 renal scan factsheet

Introduction

A MAG3 renal scan is an imaging test that shows how well the kidneys are working. It uses:

a gamma camera - a large camera that measures radiation
lasix - a medicine that helps the kidneys make more urine to clear fluid out of the body
radiotracer �� an injection of radioactive fluid that moves through the body.

A MAG3 renal scan helps doctors:

measure kidney function
check for blockages in the urinary system
detect and assess hydronephrosis - swelling in the kidney caused by a buildup of urine
monitor kidney transplants.

Before the scan

Your child can eat and drink normally before the scan.

Your child will be weighed to help calculate the correct amount of radiotracer.

The risks of radiation and allergic reactions are very low. Let your child’s treatment team know if they have any allergies.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be placed in your child’s vein. Fluids will be run through the IV cannula for 20 minutes before the scan to keep your child hydrated.

Some children may need a urinary catheter placed to help empty their bladder during the scan. Your child’s treatment team will let you know if this is needed.

Talk to your child's doctor or treatment team if you have any concerns or questions.

Numbing cream

Needles can be uncomfortable for children. Numbing cream can be used on children over two years old.

If your child needs numbing cream, you will need to:

ask for it before the day of the scan
arrive 30 minutes early to the appointment so it has time to work.

During the scan

The scan has two parts and will take about 2.5 hours. You can stay with your child.

Your child will not feel anything during the scan, and the camera will not touch them.

Part 1

your child lies on the scanning bed
velcro straps may be used to gently help your child stay still
a small amount of radiotracer is injected through the IV cannula
over 20 minutes, the radiotracer moves through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it turns into urine
the camera takes images showing how the urine flows into the bladder or whether it stays in the kidneys.

Part 2

your child stays on the scanning bed
lasix is injected through the IV cannula
over 20 minutes, your child will need to lie still under the camera while the lasix helps the kidneys make more urine
your child will empty their bladder after the scan
a final picture is taken once their bladder is empty.

After the scan

You can leave once the images are checked by a doctor or nuclear medicine scientist.

The results will not be available immediately. They will be sent to your child’s doctor within a couple of days. You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s doctor to discuss the results.

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Radiation

Your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the scan. The benefits of finding and treating kidney problems are greater than the small risk of this low dose.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to radiotracer are very rare and usually mild. Your child’s doctor will talk to you about any potential risks before the scan. Let your child’s treatment team know if they have any allergies.

Supporting your child during the scan

Scans can be stressful for children. You can help by:

explaining why the test is needed and how it works in simple words
bringing comfort items like a blanket, toy, or dummy
asking the treatment team about support from Child Life Therapy services
arriving 30 minutes early if using numbing cream.

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MAG3 renal scan