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Lasix Renal Scan
A lasix renal scan is a test which take pictures of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The pictures help your doctor to know if these parts of the body are ...
Definition
A lasix renal scan is a test which take pictures of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The pictures help your doctor to know if these parts of the body are properly formed and working right.
A lasix renal scan records how the kidneys, ureters and the bladder work together. From this study the doctor may find each of these parts work fine and need no treatment. Or, the doctor may find one or more of these parts do not work as they should and some form of treatment may be needed. The results of the scan will help your doctor select the best type of treatment needed.
A radiology doctor and a technologist perform the scan. A nurse will get your child ready for the scan.
How do the kidneys, ureters and bladder work?
Kidneys filter and clean the blood to produce urine. Urine passes out of the kidneys down through the ureters and into the bladder. When the bladder is full the urine passes out of the body through the urethra.
Expect
Getting Ready for the Test
Older children need to have the test explained to them. They must lie very still for the entire test. A parent may remain with the child and read to the child or tell them a story.
Children under 5 years of age usually have trouble lying still. Therefore, they are given a medication called "sedation" to make them fall asleep. This is usual given by mouth. It is not the same thing as "general anesthesia."
When sedation is needed, a nurse will evaluate the child and determine the dosage of medication required. When the child is asleep, the nurse will remain and monitor your child throughout the test
A nurse will place a needle in the child's vein. A radioactive fluid is injected into this needle. The fluid travels through the kidneys, ureters and the bladder. It gives off invisible rays seen by a special camera placed close to the body. The camera records the rays as pictures. A medication - Lasix - is given during the test to help the kidneys empty fast. For small children, a small tube (catheter) may also be passed up into the bladder before the test.
How Long Does the Test Take?
It only takes 1 - 2 hours to take the pictures. It may also take an hour to get the child ready for the test.
After the test, your child will remain in the recovery area until awake. Your child will then be discharged. The doctor who ordered the test will review the results with you.
