• Obstruction of urine flow
• Cirrhotic kidney(s)
• Decreased capacity of one or both kidneys
• Evaluation of capacity before surgery and in the case of chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus)
• Vascular constriction of renal vessels in the case of high blood pressure
• Determination of the split purifying capacity (clearance) of the kidneys

The examination is performed while you are sitting or lying down. After intravenous administration of a weakly radioactive drug which can be excreted by the kidney, images of the kidney area or the abdomen are created over a period of 30 minutes. The aim is to evaluate how the drug flows through the renal vessels into the renal tissue and from there into the renal pelvis and into the ureter/bladder. In addition, so-called function curves are created which display the transport of the drug through the kidneys graphically. The purifying capacity of the right and left kidney is recorded separately for each side. The purifying capacity can be specified in a numerical value and compared to standard values by taking a blood sample at a given time.

An additional second examination with/without Captopril may be required to clarify the presence of high blood pressure.

Always ensure adequate fluid intake before the examination.

High doses of iodine, as contained, for example, in X-ray contrast agents (computed tomography, cardiac catheter) or in certain medications (Cordarex), should not have been administered during the last 3 to 6 months prior to renal scintigraphy.