The main function of your gallbladder is to store bile. Positioned under your liver, this small, pear-shaped organ is only four inches in size, yet it performs an important function.
Bile helps the body break down and digest fat. This allows fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients to be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It’s then sent into your small intestine via bile ducts when it’s needed.
The most common problems affecting your gallbladder usually involve a blockage in the bile ducts. Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are the most common cause of blockages. They develop when substances, such as cholesterol, in the bile harden and form solid crystals.
Gallstones tend to occur more often in women compared to men, and their prevalence increases with age and obesity. According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, up to 20% of women and 10% of men will be affected by gallstones by the age of 60.
Inflammation of the gallbladder, or cholecystitis, can also occur when bile ducts become blocked. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Pain that occurs in the mid- to upper-right section of your abdomen is the most common symptom of a gallbladder problem. The level and frequency of this pain can vary from mild and intermittent to quite severe and frequent. It can also radiate to other areas of the body, such as the back and chest.
Other symptoms of gallbladder issues include:
To diagnose a gallbladder problem your health care practitioner will often perform a physical exam, review your medical and family history, and discuss how long symptoms have been present and how they affect daily activities. Blood tests or medical imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, may also be requested. In some cases, a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan may also be appropriate.
During a HIDA scan a small amount of radioactive material (called a radiopharmaceutical) is injected into a vein that travels through your bloodstream into your liver, where the bile-producing cells take it up. It then travels with the bile into your gallbladder and your small intestine. A gamma camera detects the radiation emitted from your body, which is put together by a computer that creates images of the biliary system.
This scan evaluates the gallbladder, looks at the bile-excreting function of your liver, and tracks the flow of bile from your liver into your small intestine. It can help diagnose:
Your doctor might also use a HIDA scan to measure gallbladder ejection fraction – the rate at which bile is released from your gallbladder.
Prior to your exam you will need to ensure you’ve had no barium studies for one week. You will be asked not to eat, drink, smoke, or chew anything six hours prior to your exam, and avoid medication for four hours prior to the study. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing free of large metal buttons.
Please notify your technologist if you are claustrophobic, if there’s a chance you may be pregnant, or if you are nursing. If you are pregnant, the exam will need to be postponed. If you are uncertain, a blood test will be required to confirm you are not pregnant prior to starting the exam. This may delay or postpone your appointment if not obtained in advance. If you are nursing, you will be given further instructions regarding breastfeeding.
Before the exam begins, you will be asked to empty your bladder. Once the exam begins, your technologist will ask you to lie on your back on the imaging bed and will position the gamma camera over your abdominal area. A radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) will then be injected into a vein in your arm.
Imaging will begin immediately after your injection and continue for 60 minutes. While the images are being acquired, try to hold as still as you can. You may breathe normally, but movement may blur the images, making them more difficult to interpret. The scan is painless, but please let your technologist know if you are not comfortably positioned on the bed.
If the gallbladder has filled up with the radiopharmaceutical within 60 minutes, you will be asked to drink Boost. This will encourage your gallbladder to contract. Two, three-minute images will be taken before the Boost and the same two, three-minute images are taken approximately one hour after the Boost.
You will be required to stay in the clinic for the duration of the study, which will take approximately two hours. If you’ve had your gallbladder surgically removed (a cholecystectomy), the technique for the study will be slightly different and this version of the study will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.
The radiopharmaceutical is excreted from the body through your urine and will decay within the body over the 48 hours following your exam. Keeping hydrated and voiding frequently will help eliminate it from your body.
A HIDA scan involves a small dose of ionizing radiation from the radiopharmaceutical injected into your vein. Overall, the radiation exposure from a HIDA scan is about the equivalent of exposure to the earth’s natural background radiation over two years. In most cases, the benefits, such as the early detection of a serious illness, outweigh the small increased risk from radiation exposure.
Mayfair Diagnostics complies with policies and has procedures in place for nuclear medicine radiation safety, including a Radiation Safety Officer who ensures we follow all policies and procedures. If you are pregnant, or if there is a chance you are pregnant, we will not perform the exam. If you are breastfeeding, please inform the technologist. The exam will still be performed, but you will be advised to pump and discard breast milk, or store it for a specific period of time before using.
This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and must be requested by a health care practitioner. If it’s indicated as a best next course of action, your doctor will provide you with a requisition and the appointment can be booked.
HIDA exams are only performed at our Mayfair Place location, please visit our services page for more information about this exam.
REFERENCES
Healthwise Staff (2021) “HIDA Scan: About This Test.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed June 15, 2022.
Holland, K. (2022) “Identifying Gallbladder Problems and Their Symptoms.” www.healthline.com. Accessed June 15, 2022.
Leonard, J. (2018) “What you should know about the HIDA scan.” www.medicalnewstoday.com. Accessed June 15 2022.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2021) “HIDA scan.” www.mayoclinic.org. Accessed June 15, 2022.
Phillips, Q. (2020) “What Are Common Gallbladder Problems? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention.” www.everydayhealth.com. Accessed June 15, 2022.
Radiologists are specialized physicians who interpret diagnostic imaging to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. At Mayfair Diagnostics, they review X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI studies, among others, analyzinsg images in detail and providing comprehensive reports and clinical recommendations to referring physicians. They collaborate closely with technologists and clinic teams to guide imaging protocols, ensure quality and radiation safety standards, and may perform image-guided procedures such as biopsies or injections. Through their expertise and teamwork, radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.
Administrative professionals support the organization across human resources, marketing, operations, strategic partnerships, finance, information technology, and infrastructure. From recruiting staff to promoting services and improving workflows, they help ensure smooth operations and positive experiences for employees and patients. Through collaboration with clinical and support teams, they provide essential coordination that enables efficient, high-quality service.
Diagnostic Imaging Assistant (DIA) support clinic operations and help ensure a positive patient experience. They assist staff by greeting and preparing patients, confirming information, coordinating appointments, and guiding patients through their visit. DIAs also maintain exam rooms, manage documentation, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready. Through strong customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork, they help create a safe and organized environment.
Patient Experience Coordinators (PECs) are the first point of contact, scheduling exams and ensuring accurate patient information. They communicate clearly with patients, coordinate with care teams, and support a smooth, confidential, and customer-focused experience.
Nuclear Medical Technologists perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures involving sensitive and highly personal patient circumstances. They are responsible for delivering the highest standard of care in a professional, compassionate, and patient-centered manner, in accordance with provincial regulatory requirements, CAMRT standards, and Mayfair policies and guidelines.
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists operate CT imaging equipment to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body that assist in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. They prepare and position patients for scans, ensure safety protocols are followed, and administer contrast agents when required. CT technologists work closely with radiologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic images are obtained, while providing clear communication and compassionate care to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of internal body structures used to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment planning. They are responsible for preparing and positioning patients, ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed due to the strong magnetic field, and obtaining high-quality images as directed by radiologists. MRI technologists combine technical expertise with patient care, providing clear communication and support to ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient imaging experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasound exams to help diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Following Sonography Canada standards and Mayfair Diagnostics protocols, they capture accurate images while ensuring patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality. They work with radiologists and clinical teams to review requisitions, prepare patients, perform scans, and document findings, contributing to accurate diagnoses and a positive patient experience.
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) perform x-ray, mammography, and BMD exams while ensuring patient safety, accuracy, and compassionate care. They also may assist in pain therapy procedures. MRTs verify patient information, explain procedures, position patients, and produce high-quality images. MRTs follow professional standards and protocols, maintaining strict radiation safety, quality assurance, and patient privacy while supporting a positive patient experience.
We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:
Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:
EXCELLENCE
We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.
CURIOSITY
We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.
PASSION
We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.
COLLABORATION
Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.
SERVICE
We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.
Join Mayfair Diagnostics, recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier medical imaging organizations. With a century-long legacy and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Mayfair Diagnostics is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving clarity regarding their health.
Operating clinics in Calgary and surrounding areas, Regina, and Saskatoon, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver high quality patient care. Working here is more than just a job; it’s a strong step towards your future.
OUR TEAMS
We are a dedicated group of professionals who combine skill with compassion to deliver attentive care to our patients. As a reliable partner in their health care journey, we provide high-quality imaging that assists patients, physicians, and other providers in making informed health decisions. Our work goes beyond imaging; it’s about fostering relationships and positively impacting everyone we serve.
OUR VISION
We envision a world where every person has clarity about their health. We innovate and welcome change, promoting leadership and creativity through safe risk-taking. We share best practices, earn peer recognition for our work, and engage top talent to reach our goals.
We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking.
We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.
