|
A hepatobiliary or HIDA scan is a medical test used to check the proper functioning of the liver and the bile delivery system. In order for the digestive system to function properly, a certain amount of bile needs to be secreted by the liver and collected by the gallbladder. In some cases, there may be a malfunction in the gall bladder or a presence of gallstones that prevent the proper flow of bile to the stomach. Therefore the HIDA scan will evaluate the effectiveness of the functioning of the liver and the possibility of improper bile production, blockages or leakages. A hepatobiliary scan with a gallbladder ejection fraction may also be required in certain cases.
Being a nuclear medical scan, a hepatobiliary scan involves the use of a radioactive tracer material that is injected into the body. This material highlights certain tissues and organs in the body and makes them clearly visible in a scan. Before you undergo such a scan, you have to fast for at least six hours. This medical test is generally recommended first thing in the morning. Inform your doctor about any prescription medications that you are on prior to the scan as you may have to discontinue these for a while before the test. It is also important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
This scan will take approximately one and a half hours to complete and throughout this time you would have to lie on the bed. An IV injection will be used to let the radioactive tracer into your system. Once the tracer material reaches your liver and gallbladder; in about an hour, you will be given another medicine to contract the gallbladder. This happens in the case of hepatobiliary scans with CCK as this further highlights the functioning of the gallbladder. Cameras that are placed above you will record the movement of the radioactive material in your digestive system and capture images for the hepatobiliary scan results. In case the tracer material does not follow the natural path through the digestive system, this will indicate the presence of a malfunction in the liver or biliary system.
You will not feel any different while the material passes through your digestive system though you may suffer from cramping and pain when your gallbladder contracts. The tracer material is flushed out naturally from your system after the scan. The hepatobiliary scan results will indicate if there is any dysfunction present and help in the diagnosis of diseases such as cholecystitis, glasstones, bile leakage and duct blockage.
|
