Renal perfusion scintiscan

What the risks are:

The risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and for needle pricks (venipuncture).

There is a slight amount of radiation from the radioisotope. Most of this radiation exposure occurs to the kidneys and bladder as the isotope is excreted. Virtually all radiation is gone from the body in 24-hours. However, because of the slight exposure to radiation, caution is advised if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Any time the body is penetrated (such as by a needle prick) there is a risk for infection. Injection into a vein also carries a slight risk for bleeding. The risk is no greater for renal perfusion scan than for intravenous injection of any sort.

Extremely rarely, a person will exhibit an allergic reaction to the radioisotope, which may include severe anaphylaxis.

Special considerations:

If there are signs of reduced kidney function and renal perfusion is normal, a complete renal scan may be performed.