DEFINITION : HIDA is hydroxy iminodiacetic acid. It is also known as Cholescintigraphy. It is a diagnostic study to evaluate the functions of gallbladder and bile ducts by nuclear medicine scanning, radionuclide cholecystography.

CONDITIONS OF WHEN TO TAKE HIDA :

  Obstruction of bile ducts due to gallstones or tumors.

  During any diseased condition of gallbladder.

  Bile leaks.

  Liver transplants.

  Abdominal pain.

  Biliary atresia.

  Liver disease.

  Cancer of hepatobiliary system.

TECHNIQUE : A contrast or radiotracer is injected intravenously. The path of the tracer is then scanned through a scanner, because the tracer travels from the liver through the gallbladder and bile ducts, images are taken so as to detect any abnormalities of these organs. Images are taken every 5 to 15 minutes. Images are taken from 1 to 2 hours after IV injection. If needed images are taken at 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours. After assessing the images the radiologist may decide whether the patient needs more scan.

The tracer flow is blocked by a stone or tumor. By assessing this, the radiologist will decide the mode of treatment.

PRECAUTIONS :

  No intake four hours before the procedure.

  No fasting the day before test.

  If the patient is on some pain medications.

  During pregnancy and lactation.

GLOSSARY :

  Gallbladder - pear-shaped receptacle on the inferior surface of the liver.

  Bile ducts - any of the ducts conveying bile between the liver and the intestine.

  Radionuclide - an isotope of artificial or natural origin that exhibits radioactivity.

  Cholecystography - radiographic study of the gallbladder after oral                    administration of a cholecystopaque; or scintigraphic imaging of the gallbladder    and central bile ducts after administration of a radiopharmaceutical secreted by    the liver.

  Bile leaks - leakage of the yellowish brown or green fluid secreted by the liver.

  Tumors - any swelling or tumefaction

  Atresia - absence of a normal opening or normally patent lumen

  Hepatobiliary system - the liver, gallbladder and hepatic ducts are collectively    known as the hepatobiliary system.

  Radiologist - a physician trained in the diagnostic and/or therapeutic use of x-   rays and radionuclides, radiation physics, and biology

  Lactation - production of milk.