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The purpose of this study is to examine the function of your kidneys, which will help the doctor understand your condition, and give the appropriate treatment.
On arrival, you will receive an injection containing a tiny amount of radioactivity into a vein in your arm. Your height and weight will be recorded. You will be asked to return for blood samples 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours after the injection time. A needle will be placed into your vein, usually on the opposite arm to the injection site, and a 7 ml blood sample taken on each occasion. The needle will remain in your arm for the duration of the blood sampling session. Between the injection and each of the blood samples you are not required to remain in the Department. However, you should avoid excessive drinking or heavy exercise until the last blood sample is taken. The plasma from the blood samples will be used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate as a measure of kidney function.
There are no contra-indications either for you or for the foetus / baby for this test.
We would prefer that you do not bring more than one person with you. However it is advisable not to have a pregnant woman or a small child with you. This is to avoid exposing them to unnecessary, radiation from other patients in our waiting room. The tiny amount of radiation from your injection does not constitute any danger to others, including children or babies.
You may eat, drink, and take your medication as normal. Do not take excessive fluid over the 12 hours prior to the test.
The needle prick from the injection may hurt a little. Side effects from the injection we give you are extremely rare.
The amount of radioactivity you receive in this study is strictly within the recommended national level. At this level, the benefit to you from a diagnosis of your condition outweighs the risk (negligible) of any harm associated with the radiation you will receive.
You may eat as normal. The more fluid you drink the better, as the radioactivity is passed out in the urine. No extra precautions need to be taken when passing urine.
The Nuclear Medicine doctor will report on the study and the result will be sent to the doctor who requested the study. He/she will be able to discuss the results with you in relation to other tests you may have had.