Your doctor has asked us to perform a kidney function (or EDTA) test. This is a test in which a small amount of radioactivity is used to tell the doctor how well your kidneys are working.
The radioactivity is a small quantity of liquid injected into a vein in your arm. You will then have a small blood sample taken at two, three and four hours after the injection.
Between the injection and the blood samples you are free to leave the department and the hospital if you wish.
You will not need to undress although it is easier to give you the injection and take the blood samples if you wear a top with loose fitting sleeves.
No, you can eat and drink as normal.
There is usually no need to stop taking your tablets or other medication. If there is, we will tell you in your appointment letter.
Only the needle ‘pinprick’ might hurt a little. You should not feel any after effects from the test. It will not make you sleepy and will not stop you from driving a car.
No. The amount of radiation you receive is very small (less than you would get from an X-ray examination).
You can eat, drink and go where you wish.
The information we get from the blood samples is sent to the doctor who sent you to the Nuclear Medicine department.
Yes. Please tell us before you have your injection if you:
• are taking any diuretic (‘water’) tablets
• are, or think you may be, pregnant
• are breast feeding
We hope you have found this leaflet helpful. If you have any questions or want further information, please phone the Department of Nuclear Medicine on 029 2031 6237.
Velindre Cancer Centre
Velindre Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 2TL
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.