DTPA Renal Scan: Procedure, Uses, Preparation & Cost in India

A DTPA Renal Scan is a nuclear medicine exam that evaluates the function of both kidneys and how the body clears urine. A DTPA kidney scan provides information about each kidney's function on an individual basis, whereas some imaging tests show only kidney structure. It can help doctors look at the health of the kidneys and drainage of urine, and at other urinary issues. The DTPA renal dynamic scan is done to get more information regarding kidney function and drainage at Molecular Diagnostics andTherapy.

What Is a DTPA Renal Scan?

A DTPA Renal Scan is a dynamic renal nuclear medicine examination. DTPA stands for diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. A small dose of a radioactive substance that's marked with technetium-99m is injected into a vein. When the tracer enters the kidneys, it is tracked by a gamma camera, which allows it to be seen as the tracer circulates through the kidneys and urinary system. 

The images and computer-generated measurements provide information on the delivery of blood to the kidneys, how efficiently the tracer is filtered and excreted by the kidneys, and its elimination through the urine. A DTPA scan can also be used to get information about the function of each individual kidney and can be helpful when the doctor wishes to compare the performance of the right and left kidneys.

Why Is a DTPA Renal Scan Done?

A doctor may recommend a DTPA Renal Scan when information about kidney function or urine drainage is needed. Common uses of a DTPA kidney scan include:

• Assessing the function of the right and left kidneys separately
• Evaluating how efficiently the kidneys filter and excrete the tracer
• Assessing urinary drainage
• Helping evaluate suspected obstruction in the urinary tract
• Assessing certain kidney-related problems associated with high blood pressure
• Evaluating kidney function in selected patients before or after treatment
• Providing functional information when other kidney tests do not give enough information

Renal scintigraphy can provide information about both kidney function and urine excretion, which may not be available from structural imaging alone. The exact reason for the scan depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other test results.

DTPA Scan Procedure

The DTPA scan procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Registration and Preparation

The nuclear medicine staff may talk to you about your past health history, medications, and past reports before the scan. Patients may need to drink water prior to the exam (except when your doctor has limited how much water you drink).

2. Injection of the Tracer

A small quantity of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein (typically in the arm). The tracer is then circulated through the blood to the kidneys. 

3. Kidney Imaging

A gamma camera is placed over you as you lie comfortably on an imaging table, which records images of the kidneys. The camera looks at all radiation that is emitted from the tracer and captures a series of images as the tracer passes through the kidneys and urinary system.

4. Computer Analysis

A computer is used to analyze the images recorded. This enables the nuclear medicine specialist to evaluate kidney function and drainage and, if necessary, compare the contribution of both kidneys.

Sometimes special medications are given, or dynamic imaging may be performed to assess tracer drainage through the collecting system and ureters, depending on the reason for the exam.

DTPA Renal Scan Preparation

Preparation for a DTPA renal scan may differ depending on the purpose of the exam and the patient's health. Patients who undergo a DTPA renal dynamic scan, listed by Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, are not advised to fast and are advised to have meals and to drink adequate fluid, unless there is a fluid restriction. The centre reports in 12-24 hours. In general, patients should:

• Follow the specific instructions provided by the nuclear medicine centre.
• Drink adequate water unless fluid intake has been restricted by a doctor.
• Inform the doctor about medicines being taken.
• Inform the medical team about any recent illness or medical condition.
• Tell the doctor or technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.

Some medications may need special consideration depending on the type of renal scan being performed, so medicines should not be stopped without medical advice.

How Long Does a DTPA Kidney Scan Take?

A DTPA kidney scan may be longer or shorter depending on the patient's kidney function, the type of kidney scan, and if imaging is required. Typically, the imaging of renal function lasts for 20-30 minutes, or repeated imaging takes place over a period of time, but the length of time in the centre may be longer depending on preparation, etc. The nuclear medicine team is able to indicate the duration based on the examination expected to be done.

Is a DTPA Renal Scan Safe?

A DTPA Renal Scan is a diagnostic imaging technique that employs a tiny amount of radioactive substance. The radiation doses used for nuclear medicine tests are low, and the benefits of these tests are deemed to be greater than the small risk from the radiation dose. The shot might sting a little or make the area slightly sore where it was injected. There are very few allergic reactions seen to radiotracers. The patient should let the medical staff know if he or she has had a prior response to any other nuclear medicine exam or known allergies. The patient may be told to drink plenty of fluids following the scan as the tracer substance is excreted via the urine unless they have been restricted on fluids after the scan.

What Is the Difference Between a DTPA Scan and Other Kidney Tests?

Different kidney tests provide different types of information. An ultrasound can show the size and structure of the kidneys and may help identify conditions such as swelling or obstruction. CT and MRI can provide more detailed anatomical information when needed. A renal nuclear medicine scan, on the other hand, is particularly useful when the doctor needs information about kidney function and urine drainage. Therefore, a DTPA scan does not necessarily replace ultrasound, CT, MRI, or blood and urine tests. Your doctor may recommend one or more tests depending on your symptoms and clinical condition.

DTPA Renal Scan Cost in India

The DTPA Renal Scan cost can vary between cities, diagnostic centres, facilities, and the specific type of renal scan performed. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, Ghaziabad, the listed price for a DTPA renal dynamic scan is ₹7,000. The centre also lists good water intake if not restricted and reporting within 12–24 hours. Patients should confirm the current price and examination instructions with the diagnostic centre before booking, as charges and protocols can change.

DTPA Renal Scan in India at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides nuclear medicine imaging services, including the DTPA renal dynamic scan. The examination uses a radiotracer and gamma camera to assess kidney function and urinary drainage. Before undergoing the scan, patients should follow the instructions provided by the medical team and bring relevant medical reports or previous kidney imaging if advised.

Conclusion

DTPA can be used in some renal scintigraphy/diuretic renography settings, but MAG3 is often preferred over DTPA, particularly in patients with reduced kidney function, because it is cleared more efficiently and gives better image quality at low GFR. It is usually easy to prepare, but may differ depending on the patient's condition and the renal scan type procedure. The cost of a DTPA renal dynamic scan is ₹7000 at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, and reports are delivered by us in 12-24 hours.