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Renal scan - Risks

Alternative Names

Renogram; Kidney scan

What the risks are:

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 removed from the body. 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 breastfeeding.

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

Risks related to a needle stick include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Special considerations:

Problems with the kidney structure may lead to an inaccurate reading of the scans, since results are calculated based on normal kidney size and shape.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/11/2010
  • Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Chief of Urology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Visiting Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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