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This scan is also known as a HIDA scan. Its role is to demonstrate the flow of bile in the body. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gall bladder and then released on demand through bile ducts into the bowel to aid digestion. This test follows the flow patterns of bile. This test can demonstrate blockages of bile ducts (both inside the liver and outside the liver), reflux of bile into the stomach and, with the aid of a hormone drug known as cholecystokinin, can show whether the gall bladder and the important muscles at the junction of the main bile duct and the bowel (the sphincter of Oddi) are working normally. The test is usually used for patients with abdominal pain that is thought to be due to problems with the gall bladder or bile ducts.

Detailed Information To Patients About The Procedure

❰❰ PATIENTS INSTRUCTIONS

• This procedure requires an injection of a radioactive material.
• If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please inform the Nuclear Medicine staff.
• If you are breast-feeding, please inform the Nuclear Medicine staff.
• 4 days before the test NO:
o Barium studies.
• Please inform the Nuclear Medicine staff:
o If you had fasted for more than 24 hours.
o Have pancreatitis.
o Allergic to morphine.
• 12 hours before test: no narcotics e.g.
o Morphine.
o Demerol.
* Check with your referral doctor if you can stop taking these medications and use alternative ones.
• Do not stop other medications.
• Fasting (water only is allowed) prior to test:
o Adults: 4 hours.
o Pediatric: 2 – 3 hours.
• For 4 hours after the injection: Drink plenty of water and empty your bladder frequently.