DMSA Renal Scan

Also known as: DMSA renal kidney scan, DMSA kidney scan, dimercapto succinic acid scan

What is a DMSA Renal Scan?

The DMSA renal scan is a type of “nuclear medicine” test which helps give pictures of the kidneys and how they are working. Nuclear medicine is a type of imaging that uses small, safe amounts of radioactive medicine to diagnose and treat diseases.

A DMSA renal scan uses a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid). The radiopharmaceutical is safe and will not hurt your child.

• The DMSA scan does not hurt.
• Pictures take approximately a minimum of 15-20 minutes depending on how well your child holds still.
• The DMSA Scan uses a “Gamma Camera” which remains under the bed during this scan. Your child doesn’t even notice it is there.

What to Expect the Day of the Exam

Step 1: Getting Ready

• A member of the Nuclear Medicine team will prepare the DMSA pharmaceutical based off of your child’s weight.
• The DMSA radiopharmaceutical is given in the form of an injection.
• In most cases, numbing medication may be used to make your child’s injection more comfortable.
• It takes at least 2 hours for the DMSA radiopharmaceutical to begin working.  
• During those 2 hours, you and your child will be able to leave the department. We welcome you to enjoy the entertainment at the Michael Fux Family Center, or grab something to eat from the cafeteria or café’s to help the time pass by.
• The isotope only stays radioactive for a few hours up to a day.

Reviewed by: Felix I Ramirez-Seijas, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:42 PM