DTPA/EC Renal Scan in Mumbai

What is a DTPA/EC Renal Scan? 

DTPA/EC Renal scan is a process of injecting a radiotracer to assess the function and drainage pattern of your kidneys. 

Preparing for the scan:

• You should be well hydrated before the scan.

• You should not be taking diuretics on the day of the scan.

• If in doubt about pregnancy, women patients should do a pregnancy test. If positive, Nuclear Medicine is generally not recommended.

• Lactating women should pump and store their breast milk before a Nuclear Medicine scan. Instructions on resuming the breast feeding will be given during the time of booking the appointment.

• Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jewellery on the day of the scan

What to bring on the day of the scan:

• Doctor’s prescription or note indicating the type of scan to be done

• Entire current medical file and prescription set to be aware of  any medical conditions and allergies, including details of treatment history.

• All relevant previous reports, CD and scan images (CT abdomen/pelvis reports,  USG, previous DTPA scan reports)

• Serum Creatinine reports(not older than 4 weeks). Can be done at our pathology lab

• Only one accompanying person is recommended

• Home-cooked food for the patient to eat after the scan

Time taken:

• Total time: 3-4 hrs

• Scan duration : 20 – 25 mins (Initial study) followed by few delayed images which will last for a minute each.

How is DTPA/EC Renal scan done?

A DTPA/EC Renal scan uses a radioactive material (tracer) to produce 2D and 3D images of organs and areas within the body. The changes that take place are recorded in a sequential manner. The process you will follow when you go for a DTPA/EC Renal scan is as follows:

• When you enter, registration is done and you need to share all your required medical history. The procedure will be explained to you and you may clear all your queries.

• You will be asked to drink a litre of water in 1-2 hours before the scan. During this time, you may pass urine if you need to.

• Once you are sufficiently hydrated, you’ll be taken to the scan room and asked to lie down. 

• A small amount of radiotracer is injected and your scan is started immediately.  An injection called Lasix may be given either before or during the scan.

• The scan takes around 30-40 mins depending on your medical history.

• After the scan you will be kept under observation in case any delayed scan is required after the initial scan is reviewed by a Nuclear Medicine physician.

• After receiving a clearance from the reviewing Nuclear Medicine physician you will be advised to leave with some safety instructions.

• You will be advised to stay away from children and pregnant women for 24 hours and to drink lots of water/fluid after the scan to flush out the radiotracer through urine.

After the scan:

• Patients can eat, drink and take medication.

• Patient is required to wait in the clinic for approximately half an hour after the scan, till the concerned staff confirms. 

• It is best for the patient to not be close to children or pregnant women for the rest of the day to avoid exposing them to any radiation. 

• The radiotracer leaves the patient’s body through urine or stool till 10-12 hours after the scan. Patients should drink a lot of water to help flush it out.

For appointment call 8869906990 or write at contact@medcarediagnostics.com atleast 1-2 days prior to the required date of appointment 

(We may consider taking in walk-in patients if another scheduled patient has cancelled depending on the type of scan. So do check in with our reception and our billing executives at our centre)

 Important Note:

• We may have to cancel and reschedule your appointments at times because of reasons beyond our control – short-supply or no supply of the isotope used for the scan, machine breakdowns, etc. 

• As we have no control over this situation, Medcare Diagnostics would not be held liable for any harm or loss arising out of such cancellations