Technetium tc-99m mertiatide, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 15 millicuries
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Technetium tc-99m mertiatide Scan
- Common Name: Kidney scan, Renal scan
- Technical Term: Diagnostic imaging with Technetium tc-99m mertiatide
Summary
A Technetium tc-99m mertiatide scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate kidney function. It involves injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream and taking images of the kidneys to assess how well they are working.
Purpose
This procedure helps diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting the kidneys, such as obstruction, scarring, and function. The goal is to determine the health and performance of the kidneys to guide treatment plans.
Indications
- Symptoms of kidney obstruction or blockage
- Diagnosed conditions like chronic kidney disease or renal artery stenosis
- Abnormal blood or urine test results indicating kidney dysfunction
- Monitoring known kidney conditions
- Pre-surgical assessment for kidney-related surgeries
Preparation
- Inform the doctor about all medications and supplements being taken
- Patients may need to stay hydrated before the test; follow specific hydration instructions given by the healthcare provider
- No major dietary restrictions, but fasting might be required in some cases
- Diagnostic blood tests may be required beforehand to assess kidney function
Procedure Description
- Upon arrival, the patient will be positioned on a scanning table.
- A small amount of Technetium tc-99m mertiatide is injected into a vein, usually in the arm.
- The patient will need to remain still while a special camera (gamma camera) takes images of the kidneys.
- The camera captures images over a set period to track the distribution and excretion of the tracer through the kidneys.
- In some cases, the patient might be given a diuretic medication to enhance imaging.
Duration
The entire procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, including preparation and imaging time.
Setting
The scan is usually performed in a hospital’s nuclear medicine department or an outpatient imaging center.
Personnel
- Nuclear medicine technologist to administer the tracer and operate the camera
- Radiologist or nuclear medicine physician to interpret the scans
- Nursing staff for patient preparation and monitoring
Risks and Complications
- Minor risks include discomfort at the injection site and potential allergic reactions to the tracer
- Rare risks might include nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with preexisting kidney conditions
Benefits
- Provides critical information on kidney function and structure
- Non-invasive with minimal discomfort
- Helps guide treatment plans and surgical decisions
Recovery
- No significant recovery period; patients can usually return to normal activities immediately
- Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer out of the body
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and further treatment
Alternatives
- Ultrasound: Non-invasive but may not provide as detailed functional information
- CT Scan or MRI: Offers detailed structural imaging but not as effective in evaluating kidney function
- Blood and urine tests: Used to assess kidney function but do not provide imaging
Patient Experience
- During the procedure, patients might feel a slight pinprick from the injection and some coldness from the tracer
- They are required to stay still during imaging, which can be mildly uncomfortable but generally painless
- After the procedure, patients might need to urinate frequently due to the increased fluid intake