DRCG Scan

  1. What is a DRCG scan ?
  • An imaging procedure 
  • Use of  radiotracer material and special cameras to generate images of the urinary bladder during its filling up and emptying to assess disorders.
  1. What does DRCG stand for ?

Direct Radionuclide Cystogram (DRCG) test .

  1. Why is this test done? 

This test is specified by the doctor to evaluate  :-

  1.  Functioning of the urinary bladder
  2.  To detect and diagnose the issues of the urinary bladder 
  3. It functions like urinary reflux, infection, distension, or incomplete emptying.
  4. Detection of vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) in children after UTI (Micturating cystourethrogram(MCUG) is the first  preferred test).
  5. Also helpful in assessing conditions involving the lower urinary tract and following up a case after a kidney transplant.

 

Before Scan 

  • Pregnant women should inform the doctor and x-ray technician as the radiation may affect the fetus. 
  • Children may consume and drink generally before and after the test. 
  • Retaining good hydration before and after the test helps in bringing better images and flushing out the radiotracer from the body afterwards.
  • If your child requires sedation, special instructions will be provided regarding fasting.
  • You should carry a doctor’s  prescription for the test and related investigations like ultrasound, MCUG etc. on the day of the test.
  • Relying on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.

 

During Scan 

  • Injection of the isotope through the abdominal wall into the bladder, thus preventing catheterization (inserting a tube in the urinary tract) of the patient.
  • Bladder is gradually filled  and volume relies on expected bladder capacity, which depends on age.
  • Then the catheter is removed and images are taken with the gamma camera while the child passes urine.
  • Better patient co-operation, and minimal  probability of catheter-induced infection.

 

  1. Are there any side-effects of these tests?
  • Tests involve radiation. 
  • Yet, a minimum dose of radiotracer established on your child’s height and weight is used, so that the radiation dose is least. 
  • The radiotracer is totally excreted outside the body in 24 hours.
  • During the procedure sterile precautions are taken. 
  •  A prophylactic antibiotic is generally started before a procedure and given for 48 hours after the procedure.
  1. How is DRCG different from MCUG?
  • DRCG is a sensitive investigation for  vesicoureteral reflux( VUR). 
  • It does not give anatomic details as provided by MCUG.
  •  MCUG is good for initial examination, DRCG may be used for follow up of VUR or screening for VUR in siblings.

 

  1. What  is the DRCG scan price in Delhi ?

 Price range between ₹ 3200 –  ₹ 6250  in Delhi. 

  1. What are the advantages of the DRCG scan ?
  • More reliable than conventional roentgen graphic techniques.
  • Administration of small radiation dose for this technique.

 

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