A HIDA scan, also called a hepatobiliary scan, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that provides valuable insights into the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. This article explores the purpose of this diagnostic test and the process to shed light on its significance in identifying and evaluating various health conditions. We will also discuss the potential costs of the procedure and how the results are interpreted for effective decision-making.
The purpose of a HIDA scan
Besides being called a hepatobiliary scan, a HIDA scan is also termed cholescintigraphy or hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The test involves a radioactive tracer being injected into a vein, which travels through the bloodstream and gets assimilated by the bile-producing cells in the liver. This substance accompanies the bile from the liver as it moves into the gallbladder and through the bile ducts to the small intestine. The purpose of the HIDA scan is:
To evaluate the gallbladder’s condition
Assess the liver’s bile-excreting function
To find the cause of abdominal pain
Track the flow of bile
Diagnose conditions such as cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), bile duct obstruction, congenital problems in the bile ducts, and postoperative complications.
Assess liver transplant
An X-ray and ultrasound accompany a HIDA scan.
Preparing for a HIDA scan
Preparing for a HIDA scan involves 4-10 hours of fasting before the procedure. It is necessary to inform your doctor about your healthcare history, treatments, and supplements. Pregnant women should not undergo HIDA scans as they may pose potential risks to the fetus. Meanwhile, breastfeeding mothers should refrain from breastfeeding their babies for several days to allow the radioactive tracer to leave their system.
The HIDA scan procedure
When the radioactive tracer begins its journey along with the bile through the bloodstream to the liver, then to the gallbladder, and through the bile ducts to the small intestine, a gamma camera known as a nuclear medicine scanner tracks its flow and generates computer images. This non-invasive procedure typically takes about an hour and helps evaluate the gallbladder’s condition, the liver’s bile-excreting function and the bile flow into the small intestine.
Understanding HIDA scan results
The results of a HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scan provide valuable information about the biliary system and its function. A normal report indicates that the tracer has moved freely from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. A slower movement of the substance suggests a possible blockage, obstruction, or liver dysfunction. If the tracer is not detected in the gallbladder, it may indicate acute cholecystitis (inflammation). An abnormally low gallbladder ejection fraction could indicate chronic cholecystitis, while tracer detection outside the biliary system might suggest a bile duct leak.
Cost considerations
In the US, HIDA scans are not essentially costly and can be around an average of $1120, depending on the lab.
Conclusion
A HIDA scan plays a crucial role in assessing the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, aiding to diagnose and evaluate various health conditions. By understanding the purpose and procedure of the imaging test, individuals can be better prepared and have a clearer understanding of the process and results. It is important to discuss the potential costs with healthcare providers. Get the results checked by healthcare professionals for effective treatment planning and management.
