HIDA Scan (Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan) – Details & Precautions

A HIDA scan, also known as a Hepatobiliary Scan or Cholescintigraphy, is a nuclear imaging test used to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. It helps diagnose conditions such as gallbladder disease, bile duct obstruction, and bile leakage.

Details of a HIDA Scan

Purpose

• Evaluates gallbladder function (detects cholecystitis or gallbladder dysfunction).
• Detects bile duct blockages (due to gallstones, tumors, or strictures).
• Assesses bile flow from the liver to the small intestine.
• Checks for bile leaks after gallbladder surgery.
• Measures the gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) to assess emptying efficiency.

Procedure

1. Radioactive Tracer Injection

   • A small amount of Technetium-99m HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) is injected into a vein.
   • The tracer is processed by the liver, moves through the bile ducts, and enters the gallbladder and small intestine.

2. Imaging Process

   • You will lie still under a gamma camera.
   • The camera captures images of tracer movement at regular intervals over 60–90 minutes.
   • If the gallbladder does not appear within 1 hour, additional images may be taken up to 4 hours later.

3. CCK Stimulation (if needed)

   • A hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) may be injected to stimulate gallbladder contraction.
   • This helps measure the gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) and diagnose biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder function).
   • You may feel mild nausea or cramping during this part.

4. Completion

   • The scan helps determine gallbladder function, bile duct condition, and bile flow issues.

Precautions for a HIDA Scan

Before the Test

✅ Fasting:

• No food or drinks for 4–6 hours before the scan (to ensure an accurate gallbladder function assessment).

✅ Medication Restrictions:

• Your doctor may ask you to stop:
  • Pain medications (opioids like morphine, hydrocodone) as they slow bile flow.
  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine) as they affect gallbladder contractions.
  • Recent barium studies (e.g., barium swallow) may interfere with results.

✅ Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the radioactive tracer may affect the baby.

During the Test

• Lie still to avoid blurry images.
• Inform the technician if you feel nausea, dizziness, or discomfort during the CCK injection.

After the Test

✅ Drink plenty of water to flush out the radioactive tracer.
✅ Resume normal activities and diet unless otherwise instructed.
✅ Avoid close contact with infants or pregnant women for a few hours if advised.