Does HIDA Scan Make You Sick? Safety and Risks
Explore whether a HIDA scan can make you sick, including safety, side effects, pregnancy considerations, and how to prepare. A practical guide by Scanner Check.
According to Scanner Check, does hida scan make you sick? Not typically. A HIDA scan uses a small dose of radioactive tracer to image liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. For most patients, the procedure is tolerated well with minimal risk. Possible side effects are rare and usually limited to mild injection-site discomfort or a brief warm sensation.
How a HIDA scan works
A HIDA scan, short for hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan, is a nuclear medicine study that helps doctors evaluate how bile moves from the liver into the gallbladder and small intestine. A tiny amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A gamma camera then takes pictures as the tracer travels through the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and intestines. The test can be used to diagnose blockage, gallbladder disease, or poor gallbladder function. In many cases, a fatty meal is given during the study to stimulate gallbladder contraction and produce functional information. You should lie still during imaging, and you may be asked to drink water or void between scans. The entire process is supervised by a nuclear medicine technologist and interpreted by a physician. The key point: the goal is to reveal how well your biliary system is working, not to cause symptoms.
Does hida scan make you sick: safety overview
Does hida scan make you sick? The short answer is that it is unlikely. The tracer dose is small and the imaging uses gamma rays in a controlled setting. Most people experience no adverse effects. A rare injection-site reaction or a brief warm sensation can occur, but these resolve quickly. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your clinician about risks and alternatives; HIDA scans are generally avoided in pregnancy unless clearly needed. The likelihood of becoming sick from the test is low when performed by trained staff, with safety guided by proper indication and technique.
Safety considerations and who should avoid
The safety profile improves when indications are clear and the imaging team follows established protocols. People with certain allergies to tracers or prior reactions should inform their physician. In rare cases, if you have active respiratory illness or severe contrast sensitivities, the team may adjust the plan. Scanner Check emphasizes that safety hinges on patient history, proper dosing, and skilled interpretation, not on the test alone.
Radiation safety and pregnancy: what to know
The radiopharmaceutical used in a HIDA scan delivers a low radiation dose. For most patients, this risk is small compared with the clinical benefit of diagnosing biliary disorders. Pregnant individuals are typically advised to postpone the scan unless the test is essential, and breastfeeding guidelines vary by facility. Always disclose pregnancy status or recent imaging to your care team.
What to expect on the day of the test
Plan for a straightforward procedure: arrive with medical information, minimize jewelry that could interfere with imaging, and stay still during the scan. You may be asked to fast briefly or avoid certain foods to enhance gallbladder response. After the tracer injection, you will undergo a series of pictures while at rest and, in some cases, after stimulation. The imaging team will monitor you for comfort and safety throughout.
Aftercare and results interpretation
Following a HIDA scan, you can usually resume normal activities. The radiotracer clears from the body over time and results are interpreted by a clinician who correlates imaging with symptoms and lab tests. Discuss any unusual symptoms with your doctor, and ask when you can expect results and next steps in your care plan. Scanner Check notes that timely interpretation is key to a reliable diagnosis.
Alternatives and follow-up decisions
If a HIDA scan is not suitable, doctors may consider ultrasound, ultrasound-based hepatobiliary assessments, MRCP, or CT imaging to evaluate gallbladder and biliary tract health. The choice depends on your symptoms, risk factors, and prior imaging. In some cases, results from a HIDA scan guide further testing or surgical planning.
Common questions and misconceptions
While some worry that imaging with radiation might cause illness, the risk is typically low with modern nuclear medicine procedures. A HIDA scan is a functional test, not a treatment, and the results inform decisions about gallbladder health. If you have questions, talk with your imaging team to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Common Questions
What is a HIDA scan and what is it used for?
A HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) is a nuclear medicine test that traces bile flow from the liver through the gallbladder to the intestines. It helps diagnose gallbladder disease, bile duct obstruction, and gallbladder function. The test combines a radiotracer with imaging to provide functional information that ultrasound alone cannot.
A HIDA scan is a nuclear medicine test that tracks bile flow to assess gallbladder function and biliary problems.
Does a HIDA scan involve radiation?
Yes. The test uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and gamma camera imaging. The dose is considered low, and the procedure is routinely offered when the potential benefits outweigh any risk. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes, a HIDA scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and low-dose imaging.
Can a HIDA scan make you sick?
The risk of illness from a HIDA scan is very low. Most people feel fine after the test. Some may have mild injection-site discomfort or a brief warm sensation from the tracer. Severe reactions are rare and would be discussed beforehand.
For most people, a HIDA scan doesn't cause illness; side effects are rare and mild.
Is a HIDA scan safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy is a clear reason to avoid, unless the doctors deem the test essential. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss timing and alternatives with your clinician. Breastfeeding typically can resume after the tracer has cleared according to local guidance.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss risks with their doctor; alternatives may be available.
How should I prepare for a HIDA scan?
You will receive instructions from your imaging center. Common steps include arriving with a full medical history, staying hydrated, and avoiding lotions at the injection site. You may be asked to fast or limit eating before the test in some cases. Plan for someone to drive you home if needed.
Follow your clinician's prep instructions; typically you may need to fast and arrange transportation.
How long does a HIDA scan take, and what happens during it?
The procedure involves tracer injection followed by imaging to monitor how the tracer moves through your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. You'll lie still on a comfortable table while the camera captures the images. The clinician interprets the images to assess gallbladder function.
The test includes an injection, then imaging while you lie still; duration varies by case.
Key Takeaways
- HIDA scans are generally low-risk tests.
- Most side effects are mild and rare.
- Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your clinician before scheduling.
- Follow prep instructions to improve comfort and accuracy.
- Results require professional interpretation and follow-up.