Table of Contents
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Nuclear Medicine
Uncontrolled if printed
| SOP Code | Title | Review Date |
|---|---|---|
| REF003 | Renogram Referral Criteria | 2027-06-17 |
| Authorised By | Authorising Role | Authorisation Signature (only on master paper copy) | Date Authorised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr N Ahmed | ARSAC Licence Holder | 2024-06-17 |
REF003 - Renogram Referral Criteria
See REF000 - Referring to Nuclear Medicine (HUTH) for details of how to refer.
Description
A renogram involves the intravenous administration of a radioactive tracer (usually Tc99m-MAG3) which is cleared from the blood by the kidneys. Dynamic images of the kidneys are acquired as the tracer is injected and over a period of 30-40 minutes to monitor the passage of the tracer through the kidneys and into the bladder. It is used to assess renal function and urine transit and can identify obstruction. Furosemide is usually administered to increase the diuresis rate. Once the tracer has reached the bladder, further dynamic imaging can be obtained to assess for the presence of reflux whilst the patient empties their bladder.
Renograms are routinely performed on adults and children. Younger children may need sedation.
| ARSAC Licence Holders | Indication |
|---|---|
| Prof Stephen Richard Underwood | renal imaging/renography |
| Prof Ged Avery | renal imaging/renography |
| Dr Najeeb Ahmed | renal imaging/renography |
| Radiopharmaceutical | |
|---|---|
| Typical Radiation Dose (mSv) | 0.7 |
Staff Entitled to Refer
All UK registered medical practitioners
Supplementary Drugs
Sodium chloride for parenteral use (0.9% w/v).
Furosemide (usually 40mg in adults). In patients with very poor renal function please indicate on the request the dose of Furosemide required to achieve diuresis.
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Clinical Indications
| Measure the relative function of a possibly obstructed kidney in order to determine whether renal function is compromised and establish a baseline for monitoring any future loss of function that might require intervention [1] |
| Determine whether renal obstruction is present in a patient who has signs or symptoms of obstruction [1] |
| Determine whether renal obstruction is present in an asymptomatic patient for whom hydronephrosis was detected on prior imaging [1] |
| Post surgical evaluation of a previously obstructed system [2] |
| Assessment of a dilated collecting system as a cause of back pain |
| Assessment of renal transplants [2][3] |
| Assessment of hydronephrosis |
| Assessment of vesico-ureteric reflux [2][4] |
