Table 1 Summary of tests used for different clinical applications
Aim | Current Reference standard | Tests | Advantage over the reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|
Localisation of infection | Tc-99 m-DMSA renal scintigraphy | Clinical features Laboratory-based tests Ultrasound | All less invasive, no exposure to ionising radiation |
Detection of reflux | Micturating cystourethrography (MCUG) | Ultrasound | Less invasive, no exposure to ionising radiation |
| Â | Â | Indirect radionuclide cystography | Single procedure test for reflux and scarring |
Prediction of renal scarring | Follow-up Tc-99 m-DMSA renal scintigraphy | Clinical features | Would allow earlier prediction of children at risk of renal scarring |
| Â | Â | Ultrasound | Â |
| Â | Â | MCUG | Â |
| Â | Â | Acute DMSA renal scintigraphy | Â |
Detection of renal scarring | Tc-99 m-DMSA renal scintigraphy | Ultrasound | Less invasive, no exposure to ionising radiation |
| Â | Â | Intravenous pyelography (IVP) | Provides a detailed anatomic map, considered essential where surgery is planned. |
| Â | Â | Radionuclide cystography | Advocated as a single procedure test for reflux and scarring |