Your doctor has ordered a kidney scan (non-invasive study) to evaluate your hypertension (high blood pressure) by assessing the flow of blood to your kidneys. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.

1. You may be asked by your physician to stop taking your blood pressure pills for 48 hours; otherwise you may continue the medication as prescribed.
2. Report to Radiology approximately 20 minutes before your scheduled time if you have not been contacted by the Admitting Office.
3. When you arrive, a baseline blood pressure will be taken.
4. You may be asked to take a Captopril tablet and drink approximately 24 oz. of water. If you are administered Captopril, you blood pressure will be taken every 15 minutes for 1 hour. You will be asked to empty your bladder before the scan begins.
5. A small needle will be inserted into your arm, a radioisotope and a small amount of Lasix, a diuretic, will be administered. The needle will be removed following the injection.
6. The scan will take approximately 3/4 hour. You will be asked to remain still while the images are taken.
7. Following this exam you may resume normal ativities.

Medications:

Captopril is a medication to control your high blood pressure. We want to look at baseline kidney function. The temporary side effects that may occur include dizziness, feeling faint, low blood pressure and urinary frequency. Lasix is a diuretic ("water pill"). Its use in this study is to flush the radioisotope from your kidneys in order to have a clearer image on your pictures. Lasix will cause you to urinate more frequently for up to 8 hours. Other side effects that may occur temporarily may include transient hearing problem, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.