What is a DMSA scan?

DMSA scan uses a type of radioisotope material that is injected through a blood vessel into the body. This radioisotope substance lines the renal tissue and produces radiation, which then forms a static image on the screen. Any abnormalities related to the morphology and function of kidneys will then be interpreted by the nephrologist.

DMSA scan is done for evaluating recurrent infections like Urinary tract infections (UTI) and pyelonephritis in the renal tissue (parenchymal cells) and to see if there are any structural defects like missing or ectopic kidneys in the children. DMSA scanning also helps neurologists to evaluate kidneys for any surgery or any other treatment.

During the test, a substance is injected into the vein, usually at the back of the hand. A numbing cream may be applied to ease the pain. There will be a wait for an hour so that the DMSA substance gets assimilated into the kidneys. After that, a gamma camera will capture the static images of your kidneys.

The DMSA scan itself doesn't hurt, but as DMSA substance is injected through a vein into the body, it may cause you a little pain. However, a numbing cream is applied beforehand so that it doesn't hurt much. The little pain you feel is similar to a prick of injection.

Yes, you will be fully awake during the DMSA scan. However, if your child is very restless and uncomfortable, a little sedation is done to put them at rest so that the movements don't interfere with the imaging. The child should be kept still while the scan is done. The idea is to get blur-free images during the scanning procedure.

Yes, it is completely safe even for small children. There have been no documented side effects associated with this scan in babies. The radioisotope (DMSA) is injected in a very tiny dose, which doesn't cause any harmful effects on children. Also, the camera that produces the image doesn't produce any harmful radiation.

The DMSA radiopharmaceutical substance takes around 60 to 90 minutes to get fully absorbed in the kidneys. After that, the scanning takes around 30 minutes or more, depending upon the condition for which the scan is done. Overall, it may take around 2-3 hours for this diagnostic procedure to take place completely.

No, you don't need to fast for a DMSA scan. You will be asked to stay hydrated before the scanning procedure. However, if you have been sedated before scanning, you will be asked not to eat for 2-3 hours after the DMSA scan. Fasting is not required per se for the normal DMSA scan.

Both these tests are types of radio imaging scans for kidneys. DMSA scan is static imaging that is used to see morphology along with the functional aspect of the kidneys, whereas MAG3 assesses the functional aspect of the kidneys, and forms a dynamic image on the screen.

MAG3 scan is preferred for diagnosing vesicoureteric reflux.