Lasix Renal Scan

A Renal scan with Lasix looks at how your child’s kidneys are working. It will also show how well your child’s urine (pee) is moving from the kidneys to the bladder.

Preparation

This test can take up to 2 hours, however, in some cases it may take longer.  A parent or guardian may stay with the child at all times.  Siblings are not allowed in the room during the test.  Eating and drinking are not allowed in the room. 

There is no other preparation for this test. Your child can eat and drink as usual. IF your child has a heart problem, they may need to take an antibiotic before the test. Your doctor should give you the prescription for the antibiotic and instruct you on how it is to be taken.

What to expect

Your child will be asked to lie down on a narrow bed and a seat belt will go across their across their body for safety and to help them remain still while pictures are taken..  

Your child will need intravenous (IV) access for this test.  An IV is a needle that is inserted into a vein, most often in the arm or back of the hand.  Your child may also need a urinary catheter (a small tube inserted where your child pees) to remove the urine (pee) from the bladder.  The IV and catheter will stay in place while the pictures are taken and will be removed before your child leaves our department. 

Radioactive medicine and a medicine called Lasix is given through the IV.  These allow us to take pictures of your child’s kidneys with a special camera.  Your child should not feel any discomfort during the scan and can choose to be distracted (for example, watch a movie).

Post test

Your child may feel the need to go pee more often for a few hours after the test.  This is due to the Lasix medication.  It is important to give your child extra fluids for the rest of the day to keep them hydrated and help the medicines leave the body quicker.  

The scan results are given by a doctor specialized in Nuclear Medicine and not by the technologist doing the test.  A report is sent to your doctor’s office, usually within 2-3 business days. 

Please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 416-813-6065 if you have any questions about the procedure or if you need to change the appointment.