Captopril Renogram

This exam shows how well the kidneys are functioning.

Preparation

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Bring a list of current medications.
Your doctor may want you to stop taking some of your blood pressure medications immediately prior your test date. Please contact the hospital/clinic where your test is scheduled if you have any questions.

This exam requires two sets of images that can last up to 1 hour each.
An IV will be started in one of your arms.
You will be placed on a gamma camera in position to image the kidneys.
The nuclear medicine technologist will inject a small amount of radioactive tracer through the IV and begin the imaging process immediately.
Imaging will require you to lie flat on your back relatively still for at least 30 minutes.
Following the first set of images, you will be given a medication called Captopril to lower blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be monitored until it stabilizes.
A second set of images for a similar duration will be acquired with you flat on your back for and additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.