A MAG3 Renogram: Plan the Appointment and Close-Contact Advice

Before a MAG3 appointment, tell the unit if pregnancy is possible, you are feeding a child, you receive dialysis or you need or provide close-contact care. Sussex’s February 2026 information asks patients to discuss these circumstances in advance.¹

Understand what the scan is examining

Sussex describes a renogram as an examination of kidney function. MAG3 is the radioactive substance used to image the kidneys.¹

Ask the referring clinician which question the scan should answer in your case and how it fits with your earlier results. Request an explanation of what the team hopes to learn rather than trying to predict a diagnosis from the test name.

Confirm preparation with your own unit

Sussex gives hydration instructions but says a full bladder is unnecessary. A diuretic injection is sometimes used before imaging and can increase the need to empty the bladder.¹

Ask your unit what to drink, when to arrive and which instructions apply to your health circumstances. Confirm any medication directions directly with the team. Tell it if you have concerns about using the toilet or managing the visit without help.

Do not copy a fluid amount or preparation routine from another person’s scan. Ask the unit to clarify its own instructions before the appointment.

Ask about positioning and the imaging sequence

In Sussex’s procedure, the tracer is injected into a vein while the patient lies on the imaging bed. After the scan, the patient empties the bladder and returns for another image. Further images may sometimes be needed.¹

If lying still is difficult, contact the unit beforehand and ask how it can help. Confirm how much time to allow for your visit and whether you should leave other appointments flexible that day.

Arrange the after-scan contact advice

Sussex provides temporary close-contact precautions after the radioactive tracer, including advice involving young children and pregnant people. Your unit must explain the restrictions for your appointment.¹

Describe your actual responsibilities, such as feeding, lifting or sitting beside someone who needs care. Ask what contact should change, for how long and whether another person should help. Get that advice before the scan so you can make arrangements.

Before leaving, request written aftercare instructions and a contact number for anything unclear.

Confirm who explains the report

Ask which clinician receives the report, how the result discussion will be arranged and whom to contact if it does not arrive. Keep those details with your earlier investigation paperwork so you can ask how the findings affect the next step.

Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to organize the scan questions and practical arrangements you want confirmed. Explore the bladder and pelvic-floor playbook.