Gallbladder (HIDA) Scan

What is a gallbladder scan?

A gallbladder or HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scan is a nuclear medicine test done at Piedmont Healthcare to detect infections or other abnormalities of the gallbladder or bile ducts or to evaluate unexplained abdominal pain. A special machine called a nuclear scanner will take pictures of the gallbladder and bile ducts after injecting a radioactive material that will make areas of infection or obstruction more visible.

The nurse or nuclear technologist will insert an IV in your hand or lower arm to inject the radioactive substance. There is no danger to you or anyone else during this time. A series of images will be taken after the injection of the radioactive substance. The test is usually completed within one to two hours.