Nuclear Medicine Scan of Hepatic - Bile Leak Hida
Detailed nuclear medicine scan of hepatic. Uses controlled radiation.
A HIDA scan uses a safe radioactive tracer to track bile flow from your liver to your intestine. If the tracer leaks outside the bile ducts, it shows a bile leak. The test is painless and takes about 1-2 hours. Results help your doctor plan treatment, which may include drainage or surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- nuclear
- Body part
- abdomen · hepatic
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 6
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- false
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- Result turnaround
- 2-4h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- any
- Cost tier
- moderate
What Is a HIDA Scan?
A HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) is an imaging test that checks how your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts are working. It uses a small amount of radioactive material to create pictures of bile flow.
Why Is It Used for Bile Leak?
If you have had gallbladder surgery, trauma, or a liver procedure, bile might leak into your belly. A HIDA scan can detect this leak because the tracer will appear outside the normal bile pathway on the images.
How Does the Test Work?
What Do the Results Mean?
Normal results show tracer moving smoothly from liver to intestine. If tracer collects in the abdomen or near surgical sites, it means a bile leak is present. The scan also shows if bile is flowing normally or blocked.
What Happens If a Bile Leak Is Found?
Your doctor will discuss treatments. Small leaks may heal on their own with rest and drainage. Larger leaks might need a stent, a drain, or surgery to repair the affected bile duct.
Your HIDA scan results will guide the next steps. Make sure to ask your doctor about any concerns after the test.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by radiologist.
What Is This Procedure?
This nuclear medicine scan evaluates hepatic, specifically liver. Uses controlled radiation to create detailed images.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of liver and gallbladder and bile ducts. Part of the gastrointestinal system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for a HIDA scan?
How long does a HIDA scan take?
Are there any risks or side effects?
When will I get my results?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - HIDA ScanSource
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy