All About a HIDA Scan
What is a HIDA Scan?
A HIDA scan, which stands for hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan, is a type of imaging
study called a nuclear medicine scan. This means that the scan uses a radioactive chemical,
or tracer, that helps highlight certain organs on the scan. A special camera, called a gamma
camera, is used to take pictures of the liver and gallbladder while the patient lies on a bed
between two cameras.
What does a HIDA Scan test for?
A HIDA scan helps measure the rate at which bile is released from the gallbladder. Bile is a
fluid produced by your liver that helps your digestive system break down fats in the foods you
eat. A HIDA scan can also be used to diagnose several conditions such as bile leakage,
abnormalities in the bile ducts, gallbladder inflammations, and gallstones.
What should you do prior to your child’s exam?
Depending on the reason your child’s physician ordered the exam, your child may not be
able to eat or drink anything for a certain amount of time before the exam . Your
physician will give those times to you. On the day of the exam, dress your child in
comfortable clothing. You may also want to bring some comforting items from home for your
child, such as a favorite stuffed animal or toy. Parents are encouraged to stay in the room
with children during the procedure. You will need to make other arrangements for siblings,
as they will not be allowed in the procedure room.
What should you expect during the exam?
A child life specialist will meet with you and your child on the day of the exam to further
explain the procedure and answer any questions you or your child may have. An
intravenous (IV) catheter is necessary for the procedure. A numbing cream or patch may
be applied to your child in order to reduce pain during the IV start. Once in the procedure
room, the technologist completing the exam will ask you some questions about your child’s
medical history and symptoms. The child life specialist may also accompany you and your
child during the procedure. A radiology nurse or technologist will then place the IV at this
time. The child life specialist is available to assist your child with coping techniques by
providing distraction through the use of I-Spy books, bubbles, squeeze balls, interactive lightup toys, music, etc. After the IV is placed, the technologist will position your child on the
exam bed, on his/her back. Parents are encouraged to remind their children to hold still
throughout this exam because any type of movement can cause the images to appear blurry.
The patient will then be injected with a radioactive substance and the camera will take
pictures for 30 minutes or until your child’s gallbladder begins to show up on the scan. At this
time your child will then be given a natural enzyme called, CCK. The CCK will be given
slowly through the IV over about an hour. During this time, the camera continues to take
additional pictures of the gallbladder and your child may feel some discomfort or stomach
cramping. During the scan, the child life specialist can provide the patient with a DVD player
and movie to help offer a pleasant, non-frightening experience for them.
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When will you receive the results of the exam?
The study images will be viewed by a radiologist who's specially trained in reading and
interpreting the scans. The radiologist will send a report to the referring physician, who will
discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
What is a child life specialist? How can they help?
A child life specialist is a certified individual who is trained to help children and families cope
with stressful healthcare experiences. Child life specialists provide developmental,
educational, and therapeutic interventions for children and families in the healthcare settings.
They can also provide you and your child with preparation for procedures and support
throughout the procedure. For more information on preparing your child for procedures, please
contact the radiology child life specialists at (252) 816-3762.