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Hepatobiliary Scan ( HIDA Scan)

The hepatobiliary scan identifies diseased gallbladders and bile drainage problems.  It assists in determining if abdominal pain is related to gallbladder disease.

Preparation:  Refrain from eating anything four to six hours prior to the study.  Do not take Demerol or morphine painkillers for 24 hours prior to the study.  Be prepared to list all medications you are taking.

Procedure:  An intravenous catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.  Bile tracer will be injected through the catheter followed by 60 minutes of imaging.  If indicated, more gastric hormone or morphine will be injected through the catheter, followed by 30 minutes of imaging.  Additional images may be optional.  CCK is given after 60 minutes of scanning and the gallbladder is visualized.

The exam usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.  An optional wait of three hours followed by five minutes of imaging may be done.

The radiologist will read your scan and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.