HIDA scan: Side effects, preparation & cost

What is a HIDA scan?

A HIDA scan is an imaging test used to view organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and small intestine. It is also called hepatobiliary scintigraphy or cholescintigraphy.

How is HIDA scan performed?

HIDA scan involves the process of injecting a radioactive tracer into a vein of a person. The tracer which contains the camera is entered through the bloodstream into different parts of the body.

This camera takes pictures, tracks the tracer’s movement and transmits images onto a computer screen for diagnosis and observation.

In this article, elaborated information about the procedures involved in HIDA scan before, during and after the procedure is articulated clearly.

Why is HIDA scanning done?

A HIDA scan is required for the following reasons

• Calculate the rate at which bile is released from the gallbladder. This is also referred to as gallbladder ejection fraction
• Analyse the excretion function of the liver
• Follow the path of the bile from the liver to the small intestine
• View of the outcome of a liver transplant
• Examine the origin of the pain
• Examine the cause of the jaundice 

HIDA scans are also used to diagnose the following problems

• Biliary atresia
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Operations such as fistulas, bile leaks
• Blockage in the bile duct

Doctors use X-rays and ultrasounds with HIDA scans to confirm a diagnosis.

Preparation for HIDA scan

A person should be in fasting for 4-10 hours before scanning.

Make sure the doctor checks this before scanning. Disclose all your previous medical history including your medications and supplements before the scan.

Pregnant women are not allowed for HIDA scans as it may aggravate their fetus. Breastfeeding women are advised to avoid feeding their infant for several days following the scan to ensure the radioactive tracer has left their system. 

HIDA scan Procedures

Before the scan

The person should lie down flat on the table and remain still throughout the scan. A surgeon will insert a thin intravenous line into the arms of the person and inject a radioactive tracer. A person may feel a little overpressure during the call.

During the scan

• A camera will be placed above the person’s stomach to capture images. The tracer will move through the line into the bloodstream.
• From there, it will move to the liver. The camera will then be moved to other areas of the liver like the gallbladder, bile duct and small intestine.
• This process may extend up to 60-90 minutes and in some cases, it may extend up to 4 hours.
• This will be regulated by the camera and the radiologist will monitor the images taken by the camera.
• If anyone feels uncomfortable during the procedure, it is vital to inform the medical staff. Deep breathing alleviates breathing discomfort.
• Some people may be given specific medications before, during or after the scan. Medications like Sincalide (injection) or Kinevac (orally) are some of the commonly prescribed medicines by the doctor.
• If the scanned images are not clear, some people should undergo a second scan within 24 hours.

After the procedure

Post HIDA scan, you can normally continue your day. It is advised to drink plenty of water to speed up the radioactive tracers of the body through urination and bowel movements.

How to analyze the results obtained from the HIDA scan?

HIDA scan results can be classified as the following:

• Normal: This means no hindrance is spotted by the tracer while moving from the liver to the gallbladder.
• Slow movement: If the tracer moves slowly then there is a possibility of obstruction or blockage in the gallbladder.
• Not present: If there are no symptoms of radioactive tracer in the gallbladder, it can be a sign of acute cholecystitis.
• Radioactive tracer spotted in other parts of the body: This indicates a leak in the biliary system.

A doctor will use these results to analyze and examine the results obtained from the HIDA scan.

Risks and side effects

Some of the potential risks in HIDA scan include

• Allergic reactions
• Bruising
• Radiation exposure

Cost of HIDA scan

The cost for a HIDA scan is not very expensive. In India, the normal cost for a HIDA scan ranges between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000.

Summing up

A HIDA scan is a test taken to examine and diagnose conditions in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. It involves tracking the movement of radioactive tracers as it moves through the body’s bile system.

Some small preparation is necessary before undergoing a HIDA scan. Especially women who are breast-feeding or pregnant should follow all the valuable measures suggested by your doctor.