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HEPATOBILIARY SCAN |
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What is a hepatobiliary scan?
Hepatobiliary or gallbladder scans are used to evaluate upper abdominal pain, determine causes of jaundice and identify obstruction in the gallbladder. This type of exam can take up to two and a half hours.
Are nuclear medicine procedures (hepatobiliary scans) safe?
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. A patient only receives an extremely small amount of tracer, just enough to provide accurate diagnostic information.
How you should prepare
It is recommended that you schedule this exam in the morning, due to diet restrictions. Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam. If you are taking any pain medications, discontinue for at least 6 hours prior to your exam. Please check with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medication. Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners, including zippers, buttons and snaps. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration. Bring with you: your appointment form and insurance information, including your insurance card. Please let us know about any of the following: pregnancy, known or possible; if you are a nursing mother; allergies or sensitivities to any substances or drugs.
What happens during the exam
An IV line will be started in a vein in your arm and you will receive an injection of tracer. The tracer allows your gallbladder to be seen by the nuclear medicine camera.
You will be lying on your back on a cushioned table with the camera over your gallbladder for the duration of the exam. A nuclear medicine technologist will be in the room with you for the entire exam.
The camera will capture an image every five minutes to monitor when your gallbladder becomes enlarged, which can take about an hour. Once your gallbladder enlarges, you will receive an injection of CCK (cholecystokinin) through the IV line. CCK makes the gallbladder contract, enabling the camera to capture images showing gallbladder function. Images will be taken continuously for up to an hour.
After your exam
The IV in your arm will be removed. Unless directed otherwise, you may drive, resume your normal diet, exercise and take all prescribed medications. The tracer remains in your body for a short time and is cleared through natural bodily functions. Drinking plenty of fluids will help flush it through your body more quickly.
Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist specializing in body imaging. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
Hepatobiliary Scans are available at: Coon Rapids and Southdale |
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