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HEPATOBILIARY SCAN WITH CCK |
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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. The scan consists of an injection of a tracer (radioactive solution) into an arm vein. This injection allows your gallbladder to be visible to the nuclear medicine camera. Images will be taken by the camera over a period of time (two to two and a half hours) after the injection.
Are nuclear medicine procedures (hepatobiliary scans with CCK) safe?
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. A patient only receives an extremely small amount of tracer, just enough to provide accurate diagnostic information. The amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine test is no more than that received during an x-ray.
Who performs this test?
A nuclear medicine technologist, a health care professional trained and experienced in the practice of nuclear medicine procedures, performs the test by administering the tracer, positioning the patient under the camera and operating the equipment used in the test. The images are then interpreted and read by a Suburban Imaging radiologist (healthcare provider with special training in x-ray studies and nuclear medicine procedures).
How is the procedure done?
The radioactive tracer material is injected into an arm vein. You will not feel any differently from this injection. We do pictures every 5 minutes to keep track of what the gallbladder is doing. Once the gallbladder enlarges it will be time to give the CCK through the IV line. The CCK is given over a 15 minute time span to minimize any possible side effects. This part of the test can take one hour since we continuously collect information over that time period. Once the information is collected, your scan is completed and you may leave. The technologist will process the information and forward it to the radiologist for their interpretation.
What is CCK?
CCK stands for cholecystokinin. This material is given by injection to make the gallbladder contract which enables the nuclear medicine camera to take images that show the function of your gallbladder.
How long will the radioactive tracer material stay in my system?
In general, the tracer you are given will remain in your body for a short period of time and is cleared from the body through natural bodily functions. Drinking fluids will help eliminate the tracer more quickly.
How do I prepare for the scan?
You must not eat or drink anything 4-6 hours before the exam. It may be easiest to schedule this exam first thing in the morning. If you are taking any pain medications, please discontinue for at least 4-6 hours prior to the scan. The patient should have a gallbladder ultrasound study within the last six months.
When will my healthcare provider receive the results of this test?
Once the scan is completed, the Suburban Imaging radiologist will interpret the images and dictate a report to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
Hepatobiliary Scans with CCK are available at: Coon Rapids |
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