A DMSA scan is one of the most precise kidney imaging tests available in nuclear medicine — and the investigation of choice when a doctor needs to assess renal cortical scarring, differential kidney function, or kidney damage following repeated urinary tract infections.
At Kiran PET CT, DMSA scans are available at both our Banashankari and Indiranagar centres as part of our SPECT and nuclear medicine services in Bangalore. The scan is priced at ₹7,000 with same-day digital reports prepared by Dr Manoj Devanathan, MD Nuclear Medicine, JIPMER.
What is a DMSA Scan?
The DMSA scan (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid scan) is a nuclear medicine test designed to assess the condition and functionality of the kidneys. It provides detailed images of renal cortical tissue, allowing medical professionals to detect structural abnormalities, scarring, or damage.
What is a DMSA scan used for?
This scan is primarily used to:
- Identify renal scarring, especially in pediatric patients with urinary tract infections.
- Assess differential renal function (i.e., the function of each kidney individually).
- Detect congenital abnormalities or acquired kidney damage.
- Evaluate kidney size and shape in cases of chronic or acute kidney conditions.
DMSA Scan vs DTPA Scan — What’s the Difference?
Both DMSA and DTPA are nuclear medicine kidney scans — but they answer different clinical questions.
| Feature | DMSA Scan | DTPA Scan |
|---|---|---|
| What it assesses | Kidney structure and cortex | Kidney drainage and function |
| Primary use | Renal scarring, cortical damage | Obstruction, GFR, drainage pattern |
| Waiting time after injection | 2–4 hours | 20–30 minutes |
| Best for | Post-UTI assessment, VUR follow-up | Hydronephrosis, obstruction evaluation |
| Age group | Commonly used in children | Used in both children and adults |
Your doctor will specify which scan is appropriate based on your clinical situation. Both are available at Kiran PET CT in Bangalore.
DMSA Scan for Children — What Parents Should Know
DMSA scans are one of the most commonly performed nuclear medicine procedures in paediatric patients — particularly after a urinary tract infection to check whether kidney scarring has occurred.
Key points for parents:
The radiation dose in a DMSA scan is low — equivalent to a few months of natural background radiation and significantly lower than a CT scan. The scan is completely painless apart from the initial injection. Young children who cannot lie still for 30–60 minutes may be given mild sedation — this is safe and commonly used. A parent or caregiver can remain with the child throughout the procedure at Kiran PET CT. Bring the child’s previous investigation reports, UTI history, and the referring paediatrician’s letter to the appointment.
DMSA Scan Cost in Bangalore
The DMSA scan at Kiran PET CT is priced at ₹7,000. This covers the radiotracer, gamma camera imaging, and the nuclear medicine specialist’s report. No additional charges apply. Both our Banashankari and Indiranagar centres offer the same pricing.
Insurance coverage for DMSA scans depends on your specific policy and insurer. Contact us at 70902 70904 before your appointment to confirm coverage and required documentation.
How is a DMSA Scan Done?
The process begins with an injection of a small amount of DMSA radiotracer into a vein. This radioactive substance binds to the renal cortex, allowing detailed imaging using a gamma camera.
After injection:
- A waiting period of 2–4 hours follows to allow the tracer to concentrate in the kidneys.
- The patient is then positioned under a gamma camera, which captures images from different angles.
- The scan itself is non-invasive and painless, but the patient needs to lie still during imaging for accurate results.
How long does a DMSA scan take?
While the imaging portion may last 30–60 minutes, the entire process, including the waiting period, can take up to 4 hours. No hospital stay is typically required, and patients can resume normal activities afterwards unless instructed otherwise by the physician.
What to Expect Before and After the Scan
Before the Scan
- Inform the radiology team about any medications or allergies.
- Fasting is usually not required unless specified.
- Young children may be given mild sedation to help them remain still.
After the Scan
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush the radiotracer from the body.
- The amount of radiation is low and considered safe.
- The results are usually available within a few days and discussed during a follow-up appointment.
DMSA Scan in Bangalore
Access to DMSA scan in Bangalore has significantly improved with the availability of modern nuclear medicine facilities across the city. Medical centers in Bangalore offer:
- Advanced imaging technologies.
- Experienced nuclear medicine professionals.
- Pediatric and adult DMSA scanning capabilities.
If you’re seeking specialized kidney imaging, undergoing a DMSA scan in Bangalore ensures quality care with reliable results.
Conclusion
A DMSA scan provides your nephrologist, urologist, or paediatrician with precise, clinically actionable information about your kidneys’ structure and cortical health — information that blood tests and ultrasound cannot deliver with the same accuracy.
At Kiran PET CT, DMSA scans are performed by experienced nuclear medicine technologists under the supervision of Dr Manoj Devanathan, MD Nuclear Medicine, JIPMER — with reports delivered digitally on the same day.
Book your DMSA scan at Kiran PET CT — ₹7,000 — call 70902 70904 (Banashankari) or 70902 70905 (Indiranagar).
FAQ
What is a DMSA scan used for?
A DMSA scan is used to assess the structure and health of the kidney cortex — the outer functional layer of the kidney. Its primary uses are detecting renal scarring following urinary tract infections, assessing differential renal function (how much each kidney contributes to total kidney function), identifying congenital kidney abnormalities, and evaluating kidney damage in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). It is considered the gold standard investigation for renal cortical scarring.
Is a DMSA scan safe for children?
Yes. DMSA scans are widely used in paediatric patients and are considered safe. The radiation dose is low — significantly lower than a CT scan and equivalent to a few months of natural background radiation. The radiotracer used (Tc-99m DMSA) has an established safety record across decades of clinical use in children. Mild sedation may be recommended for very young children who cannot remain still — this is safe and routinely used at Kiran PET CT with appropriate monitoring.
How long does a DMSA scan take in Bangalore?
The total time for a DMSA scan at Kiran PET CT is approximately 3–4 hours. The radiotracer is injected first, followed by a 2–4 hour waiting period to allow it to concentrate in the kidney cortex. The actual gamma camera imaging takes 30–60 minutes. No hospitalisation is required and patients can resume normal activities after the scan.
Do I need to fast before a DMSA scan?
Fasting is generally not required before a DMSA scan. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the scan. Inform the team of any medications, allergies, or kidney conditions before the procedure. For children, the team will provide specific preparation instructions when you confirm the appointment.
What is the cost of a DMSA scan in Bangalore?
The DMSA scan at Kiran PET CT is priced at ₹7,000 at both Banashankari and Indiranagar centres. This includes the radiotracer, imaging, and the nuclear medicine specialist’s report. Contact us at 70902 70904 to confirm pricing, insurance coverage, and appointment availability.
What is the difference between a DMSA scan and an ultrasound for kidneys?
An ultrasound shows kidney size, shape, and structural abnormalities in real time — it is the first-line investigation for most kidney conditions. However, ultrasound has significant limitations in detecting renal cortical scarring — it misses up to 40–50% of scars that a DMSA scan detects. For patients with a history of urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux, or suspected kidney damage, a DMSA scan provides far more sensitive and specific information about cortical integrity than ultrasound alone.
What does an abnormal DMSA scan result mean?
An abnormal DMSA scan typically shows one or more of the following: areas of reduced or absent tracer uptake in the renal cortex indicating scarring or damage, asymmetric uptake between the two kidneys indicating differential function impairment, or structural abnormalities in kidney size and shape. The significance of these findings depends on their extent, location, and clinical context — your nephrologist or paediatrician will explain the results in the context of your specific case and recommend appropriate follow-up or treatment.
