Show AllBefore coming to the hospital, read this explanation and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.
If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your child.
For older children, it is helpful to bring a book or toy to play with while waiting. It is helpful to have another caregiver watch your child's siblings during the test.
For children who receive TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition), the TPN fluids need to be slowed down a couple of hours before the glomerular filtration rate study, as TPN will change the test results. Ask your child's doctor when to slow down the TPN fluids.
A technologist will place a small needle called an IV into your child's hand or foot. The needle stick hurts for just a moment. The medicine is then injected through the needle into the vein.
Special pictures may be taken for up to 9 minutes at this time. Your child will lie on a soft table while a camera takes pictures from below the child. If your child is unable to lie still, our staff will assist your child in holding still.
At this time, there is a waiting period before the test continues. You may wait in the waiting area or go for a walk. You will be asked to return in 1 - 2 hours. During this waiting period, your child may eat and drink, but it is important that he / she not eat or drink anything that contains caffeine such as soft drinks, coffee, tea or chocolate.
When you return, blood samples will be taken 3 or 4 times, about 30 minutes apart. Your child will either have 3 or 4 finger sticks, or a small needle will be placed in his / her hand or foot and left in until all the blood samples are taken.
You may wait in the waiting area or take a walk between the blood samples, but you must return at the scheduled time. The technologist will tell you when the test is complete.
It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.
The medicine is removed from your child's body when he / she urinates. Your child should drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help clear the medicine from his / her body.
It should be completely out of your child's body within 24 hours. As always, you and your child should wash your hands after the child urinates or when handling diapers or urine-soaked sheets.
After the test, your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. Results of the test will be sent to your child's doctor, who will contact you about the results.
