Hida Biliary Scan

This scan evaluates your biliary system’s function. It is used to assess the function of your gallbladder or to evaluate issues post-gallbladder-removal surgery (cholecystectomy).

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• Please notify your technologist if there is 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.
• Please ensure you have had NO barium studies within the week prior to your test.
• Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or chew anything six hours prior to your exam.
• If you are diabetic, please do not eat or drink four hours before your exam.
• Don’t take any medication four hours before your exam.
• This test will take 2-3 hours, so wear comfortable clothing free of large metal buttons.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
• Please let your technologist know if you are claustrophobic prior to the start of the exam.
• Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
• Please do not bring children who require supervision.
• If you are on any of the following medications, please let your technologist know:
  • Atropine
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam)
  • Calcium-Channel Blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
  • Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists (e.g., Ranitidine)
  • Indomethacin
  • Octreotide
  • Progesterone
  • Theophylline

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• You will be asked to empty your bladder before the exam begins and then lie on your back on the imaging bed.
• Your technologist will position the gamma camera over your abdominal area and inject a radioactive material (radiopharmaceutical) into a vein in your arm.
• This radiopharmaceutical is taken up by the liver and transported to the biliary system and gallbladder.
• 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. Please let your technologist know if you are not comfortably positioned on the bed.
• The scan is painless, and, if necessary, you will be able to talk to your technologist during the procedure.
• If the gallbladder has filled up with the radiopharmaceutical within 60 minutes, you will be asked to drink Ensure plus. This will encourage your gallbladder to contract.
• You will drink the Ensure plus, wait 15 minutes, and then images will be taken for 60 minutes.
• You will be required to stay in the clinic for the duration of the study, which will take approximately 2-3 hours.
• If you’ve had your gallbladder surgically removed (a cholecystectomy), the technique for the study will be slightly different. This study will take approximately one-and-a-half hours.

POST-EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

The radiopharmaceutical is excreted from the body through your urine. Keeping hydrated and voiding frequently will help eliminate it from your body.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have the specialized nuclear medicine physician interpret the data and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).