Hida Scan

A Hida Scan is performed to evaluate biliary patency (blockages due to gallstones in the gallbladder or biliary ducts). It can also be used to evaluate gallbladder dysfunction.

Preparation

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• No Morphine products or narcotic pain medications four hours before exam.

Procedure

• A nuclear medicine technologist will start an intravenous (IV) site in one of the patient’s arms.
• You will be injected with a radioactive tracer which is then followed under a gamma camera for one hour.
• If within the first hour the gallbladder is visualized and there is no evidence of blockage, the technologist will begin the second part of the exam which allows for the evaluation of gallbladder function.
• You may receive a slow infusion of a drug known as Sincalide, during which you will also be under the gamma camera for imaging.
• Please be aware it is possible that the total time for a Hida scan is usually about 2 hours, but may be up to 4 hours.

After the procedure

• You will follow up with your ordering doctor.

Considerations

• If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, contact your referring doctor.
• Your exam may require additional imaging that will extend the exam time.
• Tell the technologist if you are planning to travel out of the country.