Mag 3 scan

A diagnostic imaging procedure that allows your doctor to visualize the kidneys and learn more about how they are functioning. MAG3 is an acronym for Mercapto Acetyl Tri Glycine, a compound that is chelated with a radioactive element - Technetium 99.

After injection into the venous system,the compound is excreted by the kidneys and its progress through the renal system can be tracked using a gamma camera. If the kidney is not getting blood for example, the kidneys will not be viewed at all. If the kidneys is getting blood but there is an obstruction lower down, the contrast will not pass beyond the level of the obstruction.

The technique is very useful in evaluating the functioning of kidneys. It is widely used after renal transplantation to assess the vascularity of the transplanted kidney.