What a Pediatric Hepatobiliary (HIDA) Scan Is
A hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which the patient receives an injection of a radioactive substance followed by a scan of the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. HIDA scans are used to identify abnormalities in these organs.
Nuclear medicine exams are unique because they provide a way to evaluate the function of various internal organs and tissues, rather than just the anatomy. Nuclear medicine scans are very safe. The patient receives a tiny amount of radioactive material so radiation exposure is minimal. The radioactive material is targeted to the specific body tissue being studied which limits exposure to other areas of the body. The energy emitted from the radioactive material is detected by a camera and used to create images which are studied by a radiologist.
RIA radiologists interpret the results of pediatric HIDA scans at several Denver area hospitals.