HIDA Scan: Everything You Need To Know!
A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is a nuclear imaging test used to evaluate gallbladder and liver function. Learn more about the process, its benefits, risks, and how it helps diagnose gallstones, cholecystitis, and bile duct obstructions.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
HIDA scan, or hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan, is a diagnostic medical procedure to assess the function of the human gallbladder and liver. It detects problems with the flow of bile or disorders with the gallbladder and liver by checking the movement of a radioactive substance injected into the body.
This article provides information on how hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is performed, the conditions that are treated by this technique, the outcomes, advantages, disadvantages, risks, and more.
Process of a Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan
The process of a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan consists of several steps to ensure that the results are accurate. Here's a detailed breakdown of the procedure:
Step 1: Preparation Before the Procedure
Most people are required to fast for 4–6 hours before undergoing a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan in order to have an empty gallbladder to get clear images.
Some patients may be required to discontinue certain medications prior to the scan, including pain medication and antibiotics.
Patients should also inform the medical team if they have any allergies or pre-existing medical conditions. This helps the team to take the necessary steps to prevent any complications.
Step 2: Positioning and Injection of Tracer
The patients are then taken to the medical facility and placed on an examination table, where they are asked to lie down, usually on their back.
Next, a small IV line is inserted in one of the patient's arm veins for injection with a radioactive tracer.
The tracer is used to provide images of the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. Mild pressure or cold can be experienced while the individual receives the tracer injection.
Step 3: Imaging Procedure
During the imaging process, the radioactive tracer in the patient's abdomen is observed through the application of a gamma camera on his or her body.
Usually, the imaging process takes about an hour, during which the individual needs to remain still.
In other instances, a medication called sincalide (Kinevac) may be injected by the healthcare provider. This medication prompts the gallbladder to contract and expel its stored bile.
Sometimes, morphine is used for better visualisation of the gallbladder.
Step 4: Monitoring and Further Imaging
During the process, a computer screen monitors the movement of the radioactive tracer, and a radiologist can then check how much of the tracer flows through the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts.
If the initial images were not sufficient, it may require going back for additional imaging within 24 hours.
Individuals should inform the medical team if they feel discomfort since deep breathing helps reduce this issue.
Step 5: After the Procedure: Post-Scan Care
In most cases, following the hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the exam.
The tiny dose of the radioactive tracer is excreted over the next one to two days.
Patients are also advised to drink as much water as possible to facilitate the excretion of the tracer from the body via the urine and the stool.
Who Needs a Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan?
The physician may recommend a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan if anyone develops the following conditions:
Severe Right Upper Quadrant Pain: This condition may indicate cholecystitis. It is an acute inflammatory condition and is the leading cause of getting a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan.
Pain or Fever After Some Surgeries: If anyone has undergone surgery on the gallbladder or upper digestive system or had a liver transplant and is experiencing pain and fever, a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan may be required.
Jaundice in Newborns: This can be an indication of biliary atresia, a serious condition.
Conditions Diagnosed with Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scans
Following are the notable conditions that can be detected through hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan:
Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation): This condition develops rapidly and appears with strong pain in the right atrium of the abdomen and fever.
Chronic Cholecystitis: This condition means that the patient has suffered more than one attack of inflammation and pain in the gallbladder. Although this pain is less severe, discomfort recurs frequently. These occurrences are precipitated by gallstones that occlude the cystic duct.
Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction: This condition arises if the sphincter that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice starts to malfunction. This causes an accumulation of digestive fluids that may cause acute pain.
Biliary Atresia: This is a disease of newborns in which bile cannot move from the liver to the small intestines. It is one of the less common but distinct aetiologies of neonatal jaundice. If surgical intervention is not sought within the first two to three months, it can lead to permanent cirrhosis of the liver.
Biliary Leak: This condition develops when bile comes out of the tubes through which it is channelled to the small intestine. It points out that the area surrounding the leak becomes red and may develop an infection. This often develops after cholecystectomy or any acute liver injury or during liver transplantation.
Results of Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan
Here are some of the possible outcomes of the hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, along with their meanings:
| Result | Meaning |
| Normal | The radioactive tracer moves normally from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine, signifying proper function. |
| Not Present | The absence of a tracer in the gallbladder suggests acute gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis. |
| Slow | The tracer moves slower than usual, thereby indicating a blockage or liver issue. |
| Tracer in Other Areas | The tracer outside the liver, gallbladder, or small intestine indicates a potential bile leak in the biliary system. |
| Low Gallbladder Ejection Fraction | Low tracer movement from the gallbladder after cholecystokinin possibly indicates chronic gallbladder inflammation. |
Risks and Side Effects of Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scans
Although hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scans are relatively safe, there are few risks involved. These include:
Allergic Reactions: There is a chance that some patients may react to the medications administered during the scan.
Bruising: There may be some bruising at the injection site.
Exposure to Radiation: Those who are subjected to hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scans receive minimal radiation exposure.
Conclusion
The hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is a useful tool in the diagnosis of gallbladder and liver conditions. It is a non-invasive and precise form of functional imaging. This scan is particularly useful in the detection of cholecystitis, gallstones, and bile duct obstructions. With advancements in medical technology, one can expect much more seamless and accessible techniques to be used in the hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan. This will enhance its use in patient care.
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