Diuretic Renal Scintigraphy Protocol Considerations

Diuretic renal scintigraphy plays a critical diagnostic role by providing a physiologic means for differentiating between obstructive and nonobstructive hydronephrosis and by assessing the function of the affected kidney. The examination accuracy is highly dependent on and benefits from close attention to the protocol. This article reviews kidney anatomy and physiology, patient preparation, available radiopharmaceuticals, diuretic administration, acquisition, processing, quantification, and interpretation criteria in the United States.