Lab Education
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December 12, 2024

HIDA Scan: A Complete Guide to Diagnosis and Preparation

Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
December 20, 2024

Have you ever wondered how doctors evaluate the health of your gallbladder and bile ducts? The HIDA scan is a specialized imaging test designed to assess the function of these organs, offering insights that other imaging tests may not provide.

This article breaks down everything you need to know, from how it works to what to expect so that you can feel prepared and confident.

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What Is a HIDA Scan?

The hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is a noninvasive medical imaging test used to evaluate the health and function of the gallbladder and bile ducts. Doctors often use it to diagnose conditions that affect how bile moves through the digestive system. The HIDA scan is commonly used to assess:

  • Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder.
  • Bile Duct Blockages: Obstructions that can affect bile flow.
  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
  • Biliary Dyskinesia: A condition where the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly.
  • Post-surgery complications: Such as leaks or improper bile flow after gallbladder surgery.

The Science Behind the Test

The science behind a HIDA scan involves using a small amount of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, to see how well your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts are working. Once the tracer is injected into your bloodstream, it travels to your liver, where bile is made, and then moves into your gallbladder and bile ducts.Β 

  • Radioactive Tracer: During the scan, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream. This substance travels to your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

Special cameras, called gamma cameras, detect the radiation from the tracer and create detailed images of these organs. These images help doctors see if bile is flowing normally or if there are any problems, like blockages, inflammation, or other issues. The process is safe, and the radioactive material used is very small, so it leaves your body quickly after the test.

  • Gamma Cameras: Special cameras detect the radiation emitted by the tracer, creating images of your hepatobiliary system. These images show how well the organs work and highlight issues like blockages or slow bile flow.

Why and When Is a HIDA Scan Recommended?

A HIDA scan is used when doctors need to understand how your gallbladder and bile ducts are functioning, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest a problem with these organs. It is typically recommended when symptoms persist, and other imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, do not provide sufficient information about gallbladder or bile duct function.

Common Symptoms and Conditions

Doctors may recommend a HIDA scan to evaluate symptoms such as:

  • Persistent pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, particularly after eating fatty foods.
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Unexplained fever or chills that could indicate an infection.

These symptoms often indicate underlying conditions, and the HIDA scan helps diagnose:

  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
  • Gallstones: Blockages caused by hardened bile deposits.
  • Bile Duct Obstruction: Narrowing or blockages in the bile ducts.
  • Biliary Dyskinesia: A poorly functioning gallbladder.
  • Post-Surgical Issues: Leaks or abnormal bile flow after gallbladder surgery.

HIDA vs. CT Scan

A HIDA scan offers unique benefits compared to other imaging tests. While ultrasounds and computed tomography (CT) scans are great for identifying structural issues like gallstones or tumors, they might not reveal how well the gallbladder is functioning.Β 

The HIDA scan goes a step further by showing how bile flows through your digestive system, making it particularly useful for diagnosing functional disorders like biliary dyskinesia or subtle blockages.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The HIDA scan is a safe and effective tool that provides valuable insights into your digestive health with minimal discomfort.

Before the test

Before the test, your doctor will give you specific instructions. Common preparation steps include:

  • Fasting: Your doctor may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for at least 4-6 hours before the scan to ensure accurate results. This helps the gallbladder empty properly during the test.
  • Medications: Certain medications, especially those that affect the gallbladder or digestion, may need to be stopped to ensure accurate results. These include pain relievers, antispasmodics, and sometimes certain antibiotics.

During the Test

The test is painless. You may feel a brief pinch when the tracer is injected. If medications are administered to stimulate your gallbladder, you might experience mild abdominal cramping or nausea, which typically resolves quickly. The HIDA scan typically takes about 1-2 hours. Here’s how it works:

  1. Injection: A small amount of a radioactive tracer is injected into a person’s vein. The tracer travels through the bloodstream to the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
  2. Imaging: You’ll lie still on a table while a gamma camera takes pictures of the tracer as it moves through your digestive system. The camera does not emit radiation, so the process is safe.
  3. Stimulation: In some cases, a medication may be given to make your gallbladder contract, simulating digestion. This can help measure how well your gallbladder empties.

After the Test

  • Recovery: You can resume normal activities immediately unless your doctor advises otherwise.
  • Results: Test results are usually available within a day or two, depending on your healthcare provider.
  • Side Effects: Most people experience no side effects. In rare cases, mild soreness at the injection site or an allergic reaction to the tracer may occur. If you notice prolonged pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms, contact your doctor.Β 

Risks, Benefits, and Accuracy of a HIDA Scan

Here is some risk, benefit, and accuracy information:

HIDA scans provide several key advantages:

  • High Accuracy: They are highly reliable for diagnosing functional issues in the gallbladder and bile ducts, such as bile flow obstructions or abnormal gallbladder contractions. These are often conditions that other imaging tests, like ultrasounds, cannot detect.
  • Non-Invasive: The procedure involves only an injection of a radioactive tracer and external imaging, making it far less invasive than exploratory surgery.
  • Quick Results: While the scan takes 1-2 hours to perform, results are often processed and available within a day.

Understanding the Risks

The risks associated with a HIDA scan are minimal, but it’s important to be aware of them:

  • Radioactive Tracer Side Effects: The tracer used in the scan is generally safe and quickly eliminated from the body. However, rare allergic reactions or mild soreness at the injection site can occur.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women are typically advised against the test due to potential radiation exposure to the fetus. Breastfeeding women may need to pause breastfeeding temporarily, as the tracer can pass into breast milk.

Accuracy and Reliability

HIDA scans are highly accurate, but certain factors can influence their reliability:

  • Eating too soon before the test or failing to follow fasting instructions can affect the gallbladder’s response, leading to inconclusive results.
  • Some drugs, such as opioid pain relievers, may interfere with the test by slowing bile flow.

Compared to other imaging methods like CT scans or ultrasounds, HIDA scans excel at assessing the functioning of the gallbladder and bile ducts rather than just identifying structural abnormalities. This makes them valuable tools for diagnosing conditions like biliary dyskinesia or subtle blockages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About HIDA Scans

Is the radioactive tracer safe?

Yes, the amount of radioactive tracer used in a HIDA scan is extremely small and considered safe. The radiation exposure is similar to or even less than that of other imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. The radioactive tracer is used in very small amounts and is typically eliminated from your body within a day, minimizing long-term risks.

Can a HIDA scan be repeated if needed?

Yes, a HIDA scan can be safely repeated if your doctor needs more information or to monitor a condition's progress. However, it is important to discuss the timing and necessity of repeat scans with your healthcare provider to ensure proper care.

Questions to ask your doctor before scheduling a HIDA scan:

  • What specific condition are you looking for with this test?
  • Are there alternative tests, and why is the HIDA scan the best option?
  • Do I need to stop any medications beforehand?
  • How soon will the results be available, and who will explain them to me?

By preparing and staying informed, you can ensure the HIDA scan process is smooth and stress-free while getting the answers you need for your health.

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Key Takeaways

  • A HIDA scan is a non-invasive imaging test that evaluates the function of the gallbladder and bile ducts, helping diagnose conditions like gallstones, bile duct blockages, and inflammation.
  • It’s often used when patients experience symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice and when other imaging tests like ultrasounds can’t provide enough information.
  • A HIDA scan involves a small injection of a radioactive tracer, followed by imaging with a gamma camera to track bile flow through the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
  • HIDA scans are highly accurate and safe, with minimal risks. The amount of radiation exposure is very low, making it safe for most patients, though pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor.
  • Unlike ultrasounds or CT scans, which primarily evaluate structural issues, HIDA scans focus on functional performance, making them especially useful for diagnosing conditions like biliary dyskinesia or subtle blockages.
  • To avoid inaccurate results, patients should fast for 4-6 hours before the test and inform their doctor about any medications they may be taking.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

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Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 24). Biliary Dyskinesia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23932-biliary-dyskinesia

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, January 30). What Is a Bile Duct Obstruction? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bile-duct-obstruction

Gupta, A. (2014, May 1). Comparison of hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, ultrasound (US), computer tomography (CT) in evaluation of acute cholecystitis. https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/55/supplement_1/1289

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Olsen, J. C., McGrath, N. A., Schwarz, D. G., Cutcliffe, B. J., & Stern, J. L. (2008). A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy of Ketorolac versus Butorphanol for Patients with Suspected Biliary Colic in the Emergency Department. Academic Emergency Medicine, 15(8), 718–722. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00178.x

Segal, I., Lawson, H. H., Rabinowitz, B., & Hamilton, D. G. (1982). Chronic pancreatitis and the hepatobiliary system. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 77(11), 867–874. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7137142/

Snyder, E., Kashyap, S., & Lopez, P. P. (2020). Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539781/

Weinberg, J. (2022, August 9). These Lifestyle Choices Increase Your Risk Of Gallstones. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/natural-treatment-for-gallstones-and-gallstone-prevention

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