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The HIDA scan, short for Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid scan, is a specialized nuclear imaging test that helps doctors see how well your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine are working together to produce, store, and release bile. Bile is a fluid your liver produces to help break down fats in your food. This test tracks how bile moves through the digestive system, which helps diagnose various problems related to gallbladder or liver function.
It's a painless and non-invasive test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to capture detailed images of the bile system over time. It is especially useful in evaluating unexplained upper abdominal pain, gallbladder inflammation, and bile flow problems.
Purpose of the HIDA Scan Test
The HIDA scan is primarily used to:
- Check Gallbladder Function: Determine if your gallbladder is working properly or if it is inflamed or blocked.
- Detect Bile Duct Obstruction: Find out if the tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile are blocked, causing digestive issues or jaundice.
- Diagnose Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): A common cause of upper right abdominal pain.
- Evaluate Post-Surgical Complications: After gallbladder removal or liver transplant, it checks for bile leaks or blockages.
- Measure Gallbladder Ejection Fraction: This tells how much bile your gallbladder releases after stimulation, helping decide if gallbladder surgery is necessary.
Why is the HIDA Scan Test Important?
The HIDA scan is essential because it provides real-time, detailed images of how bile flows from your liver into your small intestine. Here's why it matters:
- Helps Catch Gallbladder Issues Early: Some people have gallbladder disease without visible gallstones. The HIDA scan can detect poor gallbladder function even if other tests appear normal.
- Prevents Misdiagnosis: It helps avoid unnecessary surgery by accurately identifying functional problems, not just structural ones.
- Detects Bile Leaks: Especially after surgeries like gallbladder removal or liver procedures.
- Guides Effective Treatment Plans: Knowing exactly where the problem is helps your doctor plan the right treatment, whether it's medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
- Avoids Delays in Treatment: Fast and accurate diagnosis helps you feel better sooner and prevents complications.
When is the HIDA Scan Test Recommended?
Doctors recommend a HIDA scan when you have symptoms or conditions that suggest problems with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Common reasons include:
- Unexplained upper abdominal pain, especially after meals.
- Symptoms of gallbladder disease include nausea, bloating, or pain on the right side.
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, may be due to bile flow blockage.
- Suspected gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Poor digestion of fats due to sluggish bile release.
- Bile leaks after surgery or trauma.
- Evaluation of gallbladder function before surgery (e.g., if ejection fraction is too low).
How Does the HIDA Scan Test Work?
The HIDA scan uses a small dose of a radioactive tracer that behaves like bile. After it's injected into your bloodstream, the tracer moves to your liver, where it gets processed into bile, just like the real thing. The tracer then flows into your bile ducts, gallbladder, and small intestine.
A special camera (called a gamma camera) tracks this movement in real time, taking images that show how well each part of the bile system is working. If there's a delay, blockage, or abnormal function, the scan will reveal it.
The whole process usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes, a medication is given to stimulate your gallbladder so doctors can see how it empties bile (this is called measuring the gallbladder ejection fraction).
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Here's what typically happens during a HIDA scan:
Tracer Injection:
A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into a vein in your arm. You won't feel anything unusual, though you may feel a slight sting from the needle.
Image Capturing:
You'll lie flat on an imaging table while the gamma camera takes pictures of your abdomen over time. The camera doesn't touch you, it simply hovers above and tracks the tracer's movement.
Optional Medications:
You may receive a hormone (like CCK or sincalide) or a fatty meal to stimulate the gallbladder. This helps assess how well your gallbladder contracts and releases bile.
Test Duration:
The scan typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes. You'll need to lie still, but it's not painful.
How Should I Prepare for the HIDA Scan Test?
To get accurate results, some preparation is needed:
- Fasting: You'll need to stop eating and drinking for 4 to 6 hours before the test, but don't fast for longer unless instructed.
- Medication Guidelines: Tell your doctor about all medications you're taking. Some drugs (like opioids or anticholinergics) may need to be paused before the scan.
- Inform the Team: Let them know if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies to medications.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothes and avoid metal items, as these can interfere with the imaging process.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the HIDA Scan Test?
Unlike blood or urine tests, the HIDA scan doesn't require a physical sample like blood or urine. The only sample involved is the radioactive tracer that's injected into your vein. This tracer acts like bile, allowing the imaging system to track its movement through your liver, gallbladder, and intestines.
How is the HIDA Scan Test Performed?
The procedure is performed in a radiology or nuclear medicine department by a trained technologist under the supervision of a radiologist.
- You lie down on the scanning bed.
- A radioactive tracer is injected into your bloodstream.
- The camera starts taking pictures immediately and continues for 1 to 2 hours.
- You may be asked to stay still or change positions slightly.
- If gallbladder contraction is being tested, you'll get a hormone injection or eat something fatty.
- After the test, you can usually go home and resume normal activities.
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Understanding HIDA Scan Test Results and Follow-Up
The scan results are reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your doctor. Here's what different outcomes might mean:
- Normal Result: The tracer moves smoothly through the liver, gallbladder, and into the intestines. No blockages or inflammation.
- Slow Movement: May indicate inflammation (cholecystitis) or poor gallbladder function.
- No Gallbladder Activity: Suggests acute gallbladder infection or a blocked duct.
- Leak Detected: Indicates bile is leaking from the system after surgery or trauma.
Typical Gallbladder Ejection Fraction:
- Above 35%: Normal function.
- Below 35%: May require gallbladder removal.
Follow-up steps may include:
- Additional tests (ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
- Surgical consultation if the gallbladder isn't working
- Medication changes are made if inflammation or bile flow issues are found
What Should I Do After Getting My HIDA Scan Test?
After the test:
- Drink Water: It helps flush the tracer out of your body.
- Follow Up: Your doctor will call or meet with you to explain the results and next steps.
- No Recovery Time Needed: You can usually go back to your routine right after the scan.
- Stay Alert for Symptoms: If you feel unusual pain, dizziness, or nausea after the test, report it to your doctor, though side effects are very rare.
How Much Does the HIDA Scan Cost in India?
The average cost of a HIDA scan in India is usually between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000. However, the price can vary depending on the hospital, diagnostic centre, and city where the scan is done.
HIDA Scan Price in Different Cities Across India:
| City | Price |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Vizag | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Nashik | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Nellore | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Chandanagar | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Srikakulam | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Sangamner | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Kurnool | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Kakinada | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Karimnagar | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Nizamabad | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Navi-Mumbai | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Bengaluru | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Warangal | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
| Pune | Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a HIDA scan can be used to diagnose biliary dyskinesia, which is a condition where the gallbladder doesn't empty properly.
A HIDA scan evaluates how well the gallbladder and bile ducts are functioning using a radioactive tracer, while a CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of internal structures to detect abnormalities like tumors or infections.
Further testing or treatment may be recommended if the HIDA scan detects a problem.
You will usually receive your HIDA scan results within 12 to 24 hours, depending on how quickly the lab processes the scan. The report is sent directly to you either through WhatsApp or as a printed copy.
A HIDA scan carries minimal risks, including mild bruising at the injection site and rare allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer. There is also a small amount of radiation exposure, but it is generally considered safe.
The HIDA scan is usually not painful. You may feel a quick pinch when the medicine is injected into your vein, just like a normal blood test. During the scan, you just have to lie still, which might feel a little uncomfortable if it takes some time.
A Common indications to evaluate gallbladder function and bile flow in cases of suspected acute or chronic cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, bile leak, biliary dyskinesia, or congenital biliary atresia.
