Yes.
It can be scary when your child needs a DMSA scan!
As a parent, you must be nervous.
Don’t be!
We are here to guide you through the whole scan.
The most recurrent question in a parent’s mind is – Is a DMSA scan safe for kids?
Follow the blog to know more!
Before Scan Care
Note down a couple of things before your child gets a DMSA scan.
Do not worry!
It is a safe procedure and the radiologist will guide your kid through it.
- For the duration of the hour-long test, your child must remain still. You could have some practice with your kid.
- You will be given more instructions if your child needs sedation.
- Make sure your kid is dressed comfortably and in readily removable clothing. For the procedure, your child might receive a gown to change into.
- Ensure your child brings his or her favourite toy or book to remain calm.
- You should pack your kid a post-exam snack or beverage.
Remember, parents are welcome to enter the test room with their children. For siblings, it could be beneficial to set alternative plans!
What To Expect During A DMSA Scan?
- Your child’s arm, hand, or foot will get an IV. A radiologist or a nurse will insert this. Your kid might experience a slight pinch!
- The radiologist will talk to you about why your kid needs a DMSA scan. You will have to go over all the details.
- Via the IV line, the radiologist will inject the tracer.
- There will be a break of 2 to 4 hours for you and your child. The technologist will let you know when you can return for the imaging.
- When you return, your child will lie on the table, stomach down, with the camera above.
- Ten minutes will be spent on each of the five photos. Your child needs to lie motionless; otherwise, the images might not be readable.
- After seeing the first few photos, the doctor might wish to take more.
- The doctor may use sedation during the test for younger patients. It is perfectly normal!
Nurses will assist you in getting your child ready for treatment if that’s what you’d prefer!
The staff will always be there for your child!
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After Scan Care
- Drink Water
Unless your child’s healthcare provider instructs them otherwise, make them drink lots of water after the scan.
The scan’s mildly radioactive chemical, DMSA, will eventually go away from the body through urination.
Thus, it can be flushed out faster by drinking fluids!
- Keep an eye out for adverse effects.
DMSA scans are usually harmless!
However, look out for any strange symptoms or indications of an allergic reaction in your child.
The following are examples of common, mild side effects, if any:
- Puffiness or redness in the area of injection.
- Weariness or mild drowsiness, particularly in younger kids.
- Occasionally, nausea or an upset stomach may occur.
Seek emergency medical assistance if your kid shows severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, significant swelling, or rash.
- Radiation Safety Measures
Even with the low radiation dose in the DMSA scan, it’s crucial to follow these safety measures:
- Urine excretes radioactive particles, so it is important to wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom.
- If your child is still in nappies, change them using disposable gloves, then throw them away in a sealed bag.
- After the scan, avoid close contact with newborns and pregnant women for 24 hours.
- Routine Tasks
After the scan, your child can usually return to regular activities, such as eating, playing, and attending school.
Allowing children to rest is okay if they appear worn out!
- Check-in With Your Doctor
Ensure that you don’t miss any follow-up visits with your child’s physician to go over the scan results.
The findings might offer important details about your child’s kidney health and direct additional care if need be.
- Support On An Emotional Level
After the scan, some kids could experience anxiety, especially if they had a difficult time in the hospital.
To help them unwind, give them comfort and assurance, and include them in things they like!
Is DMSA Scan Safe For Kids?
Parents often ask ‘Is DMSA scan safe for kids?’
Yes, a DMSA scan is safe for kids!
For most kids, the benefits of the DMSA scan exceed the risks!
It gives medical professionals extremely accurate information about kidneys.
This enables them to diagnose diseases like kidney damage, scarring, urinary tract infections (UTIs) or abnormalities.
This leads to more efficient treatment and great patient outcomes.
- Low Radiation Exposure
For many parents, the main worry is that a DMSA scan uses radiation!
The good news is there is very little radiation exposure!
Based on your child’s weight, the radiologist determines the amount of radioactive material the kid needs in the scan.
This ensures that it is both minimal and safe!
It is on par with, or even lower than, the radiation dose from other widely used diagnostic medical imaging techniques, such as CT or X-rays.
Due to its short half-life, the radioactive material degrades and exits the body fast, mostly through urine.
- Very Few Side Effects
Most kids have minimal to no adverse effects from the DMSA scan!
Adverse effects are mild. You may see a little redness or swelling where the DMSA was injected.
After the surgery, some children may experience mild fatigue or nausea. However, these are rare symptoms that usually go away on their own!
- Safety Measures
To guarantee the treatment is safe, medical personnel take several safeguards.
For accurate results, they employ the lowest dose of radioactive material that is feasible.
To further reduce dangers, a certified paediatric nuclear medicine professional carries out the scan in a controlled setting.
Conclusion:
The answer to your question ‘Is DMSA scan safe for kids?’ is yes!
There are minimal risks and the advantages outweigh them. Ensure to remain calm so that your child gains confidence. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have further queries!
