HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan, also known as hepatobiliary scintigraphy or cholescintigraphy, is a special test. It checks how well the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts work. This test uses a radioactive tracer to make detailed images of the biliary system.

This helps doctors find and diagnose gallbladder problems and other related issues. It’s a non-invasive way to see how the gallbladder functions.

The HIDA scan is key for checking the gallbladder’s health. It shows how well the gallbladder contracts and empties bile into the small intestine. It helps doctors spot problems like abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice.

This test is very good at finding gallbladder issues. It helps doctors diagnose problems like acute cholecystitis, chronic gallbladder disease, and bile duct obstruction. It’s a vital tool in gastroenterology and hepatology.

What is a HIDA Scan?

A HIDA scan, also known as hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan or cholescintigraphy, is a test to check the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. It’s a non-invasive way to see how well these parts work. This test helps find problems in the hepatobiliary system.

Definition of HIDA Scan

The HIDA scan uses a tiny amount of a radioactive tracer called technetium-99m-labeled hepatic iminodiacetic acid (HIDA). This tracer goes into the liver cells and then into the bile ducts and gallbladder. A special camera called a gamma camera then shows the hepatobiliary system.

Purpose of the HIDA Scan Procedure

The main goal of the HIDA scan is to check if the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts are working right. It’s very helpful in these situations:

The HIDA scan gives doctors important info about the hepatobiliary system. It helps them make the right diagnosis and treatment plan for patients with gallbladder or bile duct issues.

How Does a HIDA Scan Work?

A HIDA scan is a test that uses a tiny bit of a radioactive tracer to see how bile moves from the liver to the small intestine. The tracer, usually technetium-99m, is given through an IV.

After it goes into the body, the radioactive tracer is picked up by liver cells. These cells then send it into the bile ducts and gallbladder. A special gamma camera takes pictures of where the tracer goes.

Radioactive Tracer Used in HIDA Scan

The tracer in a HIDA scan is safe and low-dose. It sends out gamma rays that the gamma camera catches. This lets us see the biliary system clearly. The tracer quickly goes away from the body through urine.

Imaging Process During the Scan

During the scan, the patient lies on a table. The gamma camera is placed over the abdomen. It takes pictures every few minutes for up to an hour or more.

These pictures show how the radioactive tracer moves through the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and small intestine. Doctors use these images to check the gallbladder’s function. They can also spot any blockages or problems in the biliary system.

Indications for a HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan is a key tool for diagnosing gallbladder and bile duct issues. Doctors use it when patients show signs of gallbladder problems like pain, nausea, or vomiting. It can spot conditions like acute cholecystitis, chronic gallbladder disease, and bile duct blockages.

It’s often used to check for acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. The scan shows if the gallbladder isn’t working right and if there are blockages. For chronic issues, it checks how well the gallbladder empties and if surgery is needed.

Bile duct blockages also call for a HIDA scan. It finds obstructions in the common bile duct, which can be caused by stones, tumors, or strictures. Early detection helps avoid serious problems like jaundice, infections, and liver damage.

After gallbladder or bile duct surgery, a HIDA scan is useful too. It checks if the bile ducts are open and if there are any leaks or issues. This helps doctors keep an eye on the patient’s healing and fix any problems quickly.

In summary, a HIDA scan is key for diagnosing many gallbladder and bile duct problems. It helps doctors spot issues like acute cholecystitis, chronic gallbladder disease, bile duct blockages, and post-surgery complications. By giving clear images of the biliary system, it aids in better diagnosis and treatment, improving patient care.

Preparing for a HIDA Scan

Getting ready for a HIDA scan is key to getting good results. By following the right steps and taking care, you can make sure the scan goes well. Let’s look at what you need to do to prepare.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

To get ready for your HIDA scan, you’ll need to follow some important rules. You’ll need to fast for 4-6 hours before the test. This means no food or drinks, except water. Fasting helps get clear images of your gallbladder.

Also, tell your doctor about any medicines you’re taking. Some medicines might mess up the scan results. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop or change your medicine before the scan.

Medication Precautions

It’s important to know about medication precautions for your HIDA scan. Some medicines can make the scan results not accurate. Here are some common ones:

Your doctor will check your medicines and give you special instructions. It’s important to follow these to get accurate scan results.

Pregnancy Considerations

If you’re pregnant or think you might be, tell your doctor before the HIDA scan. The scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer. This could harm the baby. Usually, doctors suggest other tests like ultrasound for pregnant women.

If you’re breastfeeding, pump enough milk before the scan for 24-48 hours. The tracer can get into breast milk. So, don’t breastfeed during this time to protect the baby from radiation.

The HIDA Scan Procedure

A HIDA scan is an imaging process that checks your gallbladder and bile ducts. It starts with an intravenous injection of a small radioactive tracer. This tracer goes through your liver and into your bile, letting the camera see how bile moves.

After the tracer is given, you’ll lie down on a table while pictures are taken. The technologist might ask you to move to get pictures from different sides. It’s key to stay very quiet to get clear images.

Duration of the HIDA Scan

The whole HIDA scan usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes, more pictures are needed up to 4 hours after the first injection. Your doctor will tell you how long your scan will be.

Patient Experience During the Scan

Your comfort is very important during the HIDA scan. The table is padded, and you might get a pillow or blanket. The intravenous injection is usually not painful, and most people don’t feel much discomfort.

You might need to not eat for a few hours before the scan. This helps your gallbladder work better. After the scan, you can usually eat and do normal things unless your doctor says not to.

Interpreting HIDA Scan Results

Healthcare professionals carefully look at HIDA scan images. They check gallbladder visualization, bile duct patency, and gallbladder ejection fraction. These findings are key to diagnosing and treating gallbladder and bile duct problems.

Normal HIDA Scan Findings

In a normal HIDA scan, the liver takes up a radioactive tracer. It then goes into the bile ducts and gets stored in the gallbladder. A normal scan shows:

Abnormal HIDA Scan Results and Their Implications

Abnormal HIDA scan results can point to gallbladder and bile duct issues. Some common problems include:

• Delayed or absent gallbladder filling, suggesting acute cholecystitis or cystic duct obstruction
• Reduced gallbladder ejection fraction (
• Bile duct obstruction, which may be caused by stones, tumors, or strictures

These abnormal results guide further testing and treatment. For example, acute cholecystitis might need immediate surgery. Chronic gallbladder issues might need lifestyle changes or medication.

Risks and Side Effects of HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan is usually safe, but it does involve some radiation. The amount of radiation is low, similar to a routine X-ray. If you’re worried about radiation, talk to your doctor first.

Some people might have an allergic reaction to the tracer used in the scan. Signs of an allergy include itching, rash, hives, or trouble breathing. If you have allergies or have reacted to medications before, tell your doctor.

Pregnant women should be careful about HIDA scans because of radiation risks to the fetus. If you think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor. They might suggest a different test, like an ultrasound, instead.

Even with risks, the benefits of a HIDA scan often outweigh them. It helps find gallbladder or bile duct problems and guides treatment. Your doctor will decide if a HIDA scan is right for you based on your health and history.

HIDA Scan vs. Other Gallbladder Function Tests

Several imaging techniques can check how well the gallbladder works. Ultrasound and CT scans are often used, but the HIDA scan has special benefits.

Comparison with Ultrasound and CT Scans

Ultrasound and CT scans show what the gallbladder looks like. But they might miss how well it works. The HIDA scan looks at how the gallbladder handles bile, giving a clearer picture of its function.

Advantages of HIDA Scan Over Other Imaging Techniques

The HIDA scan is great for seeing how the gallbladder works over time. It uses a special dye to follow bile through the liver and bile ducts. This helps spot problems like blockages or issues with bile flow.

Also, the HIDA scan is easy on patients. It doesn’t need surgery or sedation. Its ability to check function and comfort make it a key tool for diagnosing gallbladder problems.