The HIDA scan identifies diseased gallbladders and bile drainage problems. It also helps in determining if abdominal pain is related to gallbladder disease. In some cases doctors could run a number of studies and fail in discovering the problem, therefore with these scans doctors are more likely to pinpoint the problem. Some clinical indications for this test are acute (or chronic) cholecystitis (a cyst duct obstruction), calculation of gallbladder ejection fraction, evaluation of enterogastric reflux, and evaluation of the biliary system following surgery. More clinical indications include: (Pediatrics) biliary atresial versus neonatal hepatitis, (Jaundice) obstructive versus nonobstructive, and evaluation of cold defects seen on radiocolloid liver images. Symptom might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pain that seems to occurs after eating, high fever and rapid heart rate. One of the more significant uses for HIDA scan is the evaluation of patients suffering from upper abdominal pain. If the gallbladder cannot be seen, then the probability of acute cholecystitis is increased.
The preparation for this test is to: One, refrain from eating for up to six hours prior to the study. A meal that is recently ingested will cause the gallbladder to contract and may prevent radiotracer to enter. A false positive study will result from this test. Yet, on the other hand, if fasting for to long has occurred, this can lead to a false positive study as well. The gallbladder needs stimulus for contraction, therefore if no stimulus has occurred then the gallbladder becomes concentrated and viscous, which will also prevent radiotracers to enter. Two, it is also advised that the patient must not take Demerol or morphine painkillers for 24 hours prior to the study because this medication can prevent entry of the radiotracer as well. Three, the patient may also be asked to give a list of their most recent medications.
The gallbladder is an organ that is located in the upper right quadrant in your stomach. Similar to the appendix, you can live without the gallbladder, so if one encounters a problem with gallstones, surgery is required, so that you have the ability to live a pain free life. About 90 percent of gall...
