What exactly happens when you get a hida scan?

Question

Have to get a hida scan ..can someone walk me thru it so I know what to expect? The dr. basically told me I will have an iv..they will inject a solution..and take pics..and If/when it hurts I tell them and they stop..?? If I feel pain will it be like the pain I've been having in my right side already..?? Hope someone can answer soon , having i done in the morning..kinda nervous..thanks

Answer 1

The HIDA scan requires that you fast for six hours prior, and that you plan on spending 1 1/2 to 2 hours here for the exam. This scan looks for function and shape of the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. If one is blocked, or not functioning properly there may be pain, nausea and even vomiting. You must be off any narcotics for at least six hours prior to the exam.........A HIDA scan usually takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. The technologist will set up an intravenous line and use it to inject a tracer imaging material, after which the scan will begin immediately. During the scan, you will be asked to lie as still as possible to ensure good imaging results. We will make you as comfortable as possible using extra pillows, a support cushion for your knees, and a warm blanket.

After about one hour your gallbladder will have had time to absorb a sufficient amount of the imaging material, and you will then be given a drug called Sincalide through your intravenous line. This will send a signal to your gallbladder to contract and empty, which is what normally happens after you eat. After eating, your body releases an enzyme similar to the Sincalide that triggers your gallbladder to squeeze down and empty the bile into your intestine to help break down fats and digest your food. A diseased gallbladder will not empty well.

Sometimes, but not always, the Sincalide injection can cause some nausea and cramping. Reactions are usually mild and stop quickly after the injection is completed.

After the Sincalide injection, imaging continues for another 30 minutes. During this time, measurements of the radioactive tracer material in the gallbladder will determine how well your gallbladder has emptied.

Sometimes it takes imaging material longer to go from the liver into the gallbladder. In such cases it may take up to four hours to complete the study.

If your gallbladder has been surgically removed, you will not receive the Sincalide injection. For people without a gallbladder a HIDA scan is done to display liver and ductal clearance of the bile and to check for bile leaks.

After your exam is complete, a radiologist will review your images, prepare a written report, and discuss the results with your doctor. Your doctor will then explain the test results to you and discuss whether further procedures may be needed.

A few things you need to know:

It is very important to remain still while you are being imaged, as movement may blur or distort your images.
There is no need to worry about the amount of radiation you will receive during the test. It is no more that what you would receive from similar x-ray procedures.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are a nursing mother.
Although adverse side effects are rare, you should tell the technologist if you feel lightheaded, nauseated, or if you have other symptoms during the exam.
The radioactive tracer will remain in your body for a short time and is cleared out through natural bodily functions. Drinking plenty of fluids before the exam and after the tracer injection helps eliminate the material more quickly.
After the test you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately.

Answer 2

A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan helps evaluate the function of the gallbladder and the bile ducts. Doctors may also refer to this procedure as cholescintigraphy.

In this procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into your vein. The tracer travels to your liver and then into the bile ducts. A special scanner placed over your abdomen tracks the movement of the tracer through your biliary tract and makes images of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.

A HIDA scan is used to diagnose:

Obstruction of the bile ducts, such as due to gallstones or rarely, tumors
Diseases of the gallbladder
Bile leaks

Do not worry, it isn't painful and it is a great diagnostic tool. You want to know what is wrong, don't you? Be strong, dear one.

Answer 3

Sincalide Injection

Answer 4

There usually is no pain, I heard they give you something at the end to wash away the liquid dye.