Test Overview

A HIDA scan is an imaging test that checks how your gallbladder is working. The gallbladder is a small sac under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps your body digest fats. If there are problems with the gallbladder, such as gallstones, the gallbladder may not store or empty bile properly.

During a HIDA scan, a camera takes pictures of your gallbladder after a radioactive tracer is injected into a vein in your arm. The tracer travels through your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. The camera takes a series of pictures of the tracer as it moves along. Your doctor can use these pictures to look for leaks, blockages, or any other problems.

Why It Is Done

The HIDA scan may be done to:

• Help find the cause of pain in the upper belly, especially if the pain is on the right side.
• See how well the gallbladder is working.
• Find out if bile is leaking.
• Find anything that may be blocking the bile ducts.

A HIDA scan is sometimes done if an earlier ultrasound test did not give enough information.

How To Prepare

• If you are breastfeeding, you may want to pump enough breast milk before the test to get through 1 to 2 days of feeding. The radioactive tracer used in this test can get into your breast milk and is not good for the baby.
• The doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything but water for 4 to 6 hours before the test. Follow all instructions carefully.

How It Is Done

You will need to take off any jewelry that might affect the scan. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes. This depends on which part of your body is being examined. You may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not affect the test. You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.

During the test

The site on your arm where the radioactive tracer goes in will be cleaned. A small amount of the tracer is then injected.

You will lie on your back on a table. A large scanning camera will be placed just above your belly. After the radioactive tracer is injected, the camera will scan for radiation released by the tracer. The camera makes pictures as the tracer passes through your liver and into your gallbladder and small intestine. The first pictures will be taken right after the tracer starts to go in. The pictures may be continuous, like a video. Or they may be taken once in a while for up to 1½ hours after the test starts.

Each scan takes only a few minutes. You need to lie very still during each scan so the pictures won't be blurred. The camera does not produce any radiation. So you are not exposed to any more radiation while the scan is being done.

A substance that stimulates the gallbladder may also be put into your vein during the scans. The pictures taken after this injection can help see if the gallbladder is working normally. A computer may look at the data to check how well the gallbladder is working. You may be asked about your reaction to the substance used to stimulate the gallbladder. Sometimes medicine (morphine sulfate) is given to help find out if the gallbladder is inflamed.

How long the test takes

A HIDA scan takes about 1 to 2 hours.

How It Feels

You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a brief sting or pinch. Otherwise, a HIDA scan usually doesn't hurt.

You may find it hard to stay still during the scan. Ask for a pillow or a blanket to get as comfortable as you can before the scan starts.

The test may be uncomfortable if you are having pain in your belly. Try to relax by breathing slowly and deeply.

You may have nausea or belly pain if a substance that stimulates the gallbladder is used during the test. You may be asked about changes in your pain during the test.

Risks

Allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer are rare.

Some people may have soreness or swelling where the needle went in. These symptoms can usually be relieved by putting moist, warm compresses on your arm.

Anytime you're exposed to radiation, there's a small chance of damage to cells or tissue. That's the case even with the low-level radioactive tracer used for this test. But the chance of damage is very low compared with the benefits of the test.

Steps you can take

• After the test, drink lots of fluids for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer out of your body.
• The radioactive tracer used in this test can get into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed your baby for 1 or 2 days after this test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk you stored before the test, or you can give formula. Discard the breast milk you pump in the 1 or 2 days after the test.
• Most of the tracer will leave your body through your urine or stool within a day. So be sure to flush the toilet right after you use it, and wash your hands well with soap and water. The amount of radiation in the tracer is very small. This means it isn't a risk for people to be around you after the test.
• You will probably be able to go home right away.
• You can go back to your usual activities right away.
• Depending on your results, more scans may be taken up to a day later. If you need to go back for another HIDA scan, do not eat any fatty foods before the test.

Results

The results of a HIDA scan are ready in 2 days.