HIDA Scan | Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid Scan

This information was reviewed and approved by Will Cook, ARRT, MA and Eric Yager, MHA, RT(R)(CT)(BD) (1/1/2021).

What is a Hida Scan?

Your doctor has suggested you have a Hida scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health. This study shows the function of your liver and gallbladder. The Hida scan will show how your liver concentrates bile into the gallbladder and spits it into the small intestine.

How do you get ready for the test?

Do not eat or drink 6 hours before the exam.
Do NOT FAST for over 24 hours for this test.
You will not change clothes.
This test will take 1.5-2 hours and imaging will be performed throughout the test.
Let the technologist know if you are pregnant or nursing.
Do NOT take any pain medications (opioid derivatives) for 24 hours prior to this test. This will cause an abnormal result.

What is done during the test?

The nuclear medicine technologist will explain the Hida scan to you. Ask any questions if you don’t understand.

You will be given a small amount of a radioactive tracer via an IV injection that will be taken up by your liver. You will not feel any effect from this isotope (radioactive tracer). Images are taken at specific time points for 45-60 minutes. Either a small IV drip will then be started to contract the gallbladder or you will be given an Ensure shake to drink which also contracts the gallbladder. Concurrent imaging will take an additional 30-60 minutes.

The IV medicine is cholecystokinin (CCK, Kinevac). The medicine dosage is determined by your weight. Most patients feel so effects from the cholecystokinin.

If the gallbladder is not visualized by 1 hour, the test will be terminated.

What should you do after the test?

You can resume normal activities after the Hida Scan.

How long will the test take?

This test takes about 2 hours to complete.

How do you get to your test?

Your appointment is in the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Imaging (Radiology). You will be directed where to go when you check-in. If you have any questions you can contact Advanced Biomedical Imaging Radiology) at 303-398-1611.

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