HIDA Scan (Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan)

A HIDA scan is a nuclear medicine test that tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. It helps diagnose gallbladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, congenital bile flow problems, and post-surgical complications.

• Do not eat or drink for at least 4–6 hours before the test.
• Tell your provider about medications, especially pain relievers or narcotics, as some may affect results.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. As the tracer moves through the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, a special gamma camera takes images over 1–2 hours. In some cases, you may receive medication (such as CCK) to see how the gallbladder contracts.

• Very low radiation exposure.
• Rare allergic reactions to the tracer or medications used.
•  Mild discomfort at the injection site.

A nuclear medicine doctor analyzes the images to assess gallbladder and bile duct function. Results are usually available within a day and guide whether further treatment, such as surgery, is needed.