MR-guided radiotherapy
HCA Healthcare UK invests £15million to introduce advanced MR-guided radiotherapy with Elekta Unity MR Linac
MAG3 renogram
- Comprehensive renal drainage imaging
- Efficient, patient-friendly process
- Convenient London locations
MAG3 Renogram at HCA UK
Why choose us
At HCA UK, our MAG3 Renogram is a simple, low-preparation test that is used to assess the structure, location and function of your kidneys. Every scan is carried out by expert radiographers and technologists reviewed by experienced consultants, with rapid results.
You’ll attend one of our modern outpatient centres across central London and have seamless access to HCA UK’s wider kidney care pathway if you need further support.
You’ll attend one of our modern outpatient centres across central London and have seamless access to HCA UK’s wider kidney care pathway if you need further support.
A MAG3 Renogram is a specialised nuclear medicine test that uses a safe, low-dose radioactive tracer to show how urine drains from the kidneys into the bladder. It helps your specialist detect blockages, reflux or other drainage problems.
As one of the types of kidney scans, a MAG3 Renogram radiology scan provides valuable insight into kidney function, supporting accurate diagnosis and quick treatment. To help us gain a clearer picture and check for reflux, your consultant may also want to perform an indirect cystogram. This test involves taking images of your bladder as it naturally fills during the renogram to see whether urine flows back towards the kidneys.
If the scan shows reflux, it means that urine is travelling back towards the kidneys instead of draining normally, which can increase the risk of infections or kidney damage if left untreated.
As one of the types of kidney scans, a MAG3 Renogram radiology scan provides valuable insight into kidney function, supporting accurate diagnosis and quick treatment. To help us gain a clearer picture and check for reflux, your consultant may also want to perform an indirect cystogram. This test involves taking images of your bladder as it naturally fills during the renogram to see whether urine flows back towards the kidneys.
If the scan shows reflux, it means that urine is travelling back towards the kidneys instead of draining normally, which can increase the risk of infections or kidney damage if left untreated.
No fasting is required for a MAG3 scan, so you can eat and drink as normal. We encourage you to stay well hydrated before your appointment, as this helps with accurate imaging.
You can usually take your regular medication, and our team will provide clear instructions before your appointment.
You can usually take your regular medication, and our team will provide clear instructions before your appointment.
The appointment usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. This includes preparation, positioning, the scan itself and sometimes extra images after emptying the bladder.
During the scan, you’ll lie still while the camera records how the tracer moves through your kidneys and bladder. Our team will guide you step by step, explain what’s happening and help you feel at ease.
During the scan, you’ll lie still while the camera records how the tracer moves through your kidneys and bladder. Our team will guide you step by step, explain what’s happening and help you feel at ease.
Yes, the test involves a very small amount of radiation, but the dose is minimal and carefully controlled. It is comparable to what you receive naturally over a few months from the environment.
The benefits of the scan outweigh this very low risk, as it provides essential information about kidney function and drainage. Our specialists follow strict safety standards to ensure your scan is safe and effective.
The benefits of the scan outweigh this very low risk, as it provides essential information about kidney function and drainage. Our specialists follow strict safety standards to ensure your scan is safe and effective.
Get the answers you need
Accurate diagnosis that helps give you peace of mind.
Fast results you can trust
Reports available to your doctor within 48 hours.
Specialist care when you need it
Direct access to HCA UK’s digestive health experts.
Where can I get a private MAG3 Renogram?
You can book a private MAG3 Renogram at one of our London centres for a clear picture of your kidney and urinary health. Your specialist will explain your results and guide you through the next steps. Should you need treatment, you’ll be in safe hands with seamless access to HCA UK’s wider kidney and urology specialists.
Your private MAG3 Renogram with HCA UK
What to expect
From arranging your referral to receiving your results, our team will guide you through the process with clear information and attentive care. A MAG3 scan provides valuable insights into your kidney health to help your specialist plan the best next steps for you.
01
Initial consultation
Your scan may be arranged through a GP, a specialist or directly if you self-refer. Once confirmed, your appointment is scheduled at one of our London diagnostic centres, often with rapid availability. Before the day, you’ll receive clear instructions, which usually include keeping well hydrated, but you won’t need to fast.
02
During your procedure
A radiographer will place a small cannula in your arm for the tracer injection, and sometimes a diuretic. You’ll then lie still while images are taken, which usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes, and will include one after you empty your bladder, known as a post-void snapshot.
03
Analysis and results
Your images are reviewed promptly by a consultant radiologist who prepares a detailed report. This is sent directly to your referring clinician or specialist, who’ll ensure the findings are available quickly to support timely decisions about your care.
04
Follow-up care
Your specialist will explain your results in clear, simple terms and guide you through any next steps. Should further diagnostics or treatment be needed, you’ll have seamless access to HCA UK’s expert kidney and urology network.
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
MAG3 Renogram FAQs
Most patients find the scan painless. The only moment of discomfort is when a small cannula is placed in your arm. After that, you’ll simply lie still while the camera does its work.
The test is very safe and side effects are rare. Possible issues include:
- Mild discomfort from the cannula
- A temporary urge to urinate if a diuretic is used
- Extremely rare, an allergic reaction to the injection
Radiation exposure is minimal, comparable to a few months of natural background radiation.
A diuretic may be given during your scan to help your kidneys drain faster and give clearer results. If used, you may need to pass urine more often for a few hours afterwards.
This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Our team will tell you if you’ll be given a diuretic on the day.
This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Our team will tell you if you’ll be given a diuretic on the day.
Yes, we’ll encourage you to keep drinking fluids after your scan. This helps your body flush the small amount of radioactive tracer more quickly.
If you’re pregnant or think you might be, it’s important to let us know. We’ll usually postpone the scan unless it’s urgent. If you’re breastfeeding, your specialist may advise pausing feeds for a short time.
We’ll explain everything clearly so you can feel confident about the safest approach for you and your baby.
We’ll explain everything clearly so you can feel confident about the safest approach for you and your baby.
Your scan images are reviewed quickly by a MAG3 Renogram radiology consultant. A detailed report is sent to your referring specialist, often within 48 hours. They’ll then discuss the findings with you and explain any next steps.
Yes, you can return to your usual activities immediately. If a diuretic was used, you might notice you’re urinating more than normal for a few hours. This is expected and nothing to worry about.
Sometimes, an ultrasound, CT or MRI scan can be used to look at kidney structure. However, a MAG3 Renogram is unique because it shows how well your kidneys are functioning and draining in real-time. If an alternative is more suitable, your specialist will discuss it with you.
The cost of a MAG3 scan may vary, but we’ll provide you with a clear cost prior to your appointment. You can find out more about our self-pay and private medical costs here. If you have any questions about paying for treatment, you can contact us on 020 3993 2726.
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