A HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid ) scan is an imaging test. It can be used to check for problems in the liver, gallbladder, and the tubes inside and outside the liver (bile ducts). During the test, a small amount of radioactive substance (tracer) is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. Pictures are then taken to track the movement of the tracer. The test takes about 2 hours. In some cases, more pictures may need to be taken after a wait of 4 hours. You’ll be told as the test progresses how long your test may take.
Before the test
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Follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions if required.
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Tell your healthcare provider what medicines you’re taking. This includes vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medicines. You may be told to stop taking some or all of them in the days before the test.
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Follow any other instructions you’re given to get ready for the test.
What to tell the technologist
Let the technologist know if you:
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Are taking any medicines or have allergies to any medicines. Some medicines may prevent accurate test results.
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Had recent X-rays or tests that used barium
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Had recent surgery or illness
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Have other health problems, such as diabetes
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Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
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Are breastfeeding
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Smoke or use other tobacco products
During the test
The test is done by a nuclear medicine or radiology technologist. It can be done in a hospital or test center:
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You’ll lie on your back on a table. A special camera (also called a scanner) will be positioned above your belly (abdomen).
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An IV (intravenous) needle or IV line is placed into a vein in your arm or hand. The tracer is then injected through the IV line.
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Pictures are taken as the tracer follows the movement of bile through the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Bile is a substance made by the liver that helps you digest fat.
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You’ll need to lie still to help ensure that the pictures are not blurry.
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Based on your healthcare provider's practices, you may be given a substance by mouth or injected through a vein that causes the gallbladder to contract and release bile. Be sure to let the technologist know if you feel discomfort. This could indicate gallbladder dysfunction.
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If needed, more pictures may be taken after 4 hours.
After the test
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The technologist will let you know when the test is completed.
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The tracer will pass out of the body in your stool and urine within 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids to help the tracer pass.
Follow-up
Your healthcare provider will go over test results with you when they are ready. This is likely within a few days of the test.
Possible risks
Possible risks of this imaging test can include:
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Problems at the IV site
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Allergic reaction to the tracer or medicine used during the test
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Radiation exposure from the tracer
