Hepatobiliary scan
What is a hepatobiliary scan?
A hepatobiliary scan is a test used to find problems in the gallbladder. Special pictures are taken after a medicine is injected into a vein. The medicine is called a radiopharmaceutical (a tiny amount of a radioactive liquid). The pictures show the medicine in the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Before the scan
Before coming to the hospital, read this explanation and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.
- Your child cannot eat or drink anything by mouth for 2 hours before the test.
- If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your baby.
- For older children, it is helpful to bring a book, toy, or DVD to play with while waiting. It is helpful to have another caregiver for your child's siblings. For young children or babies, it is a good idea to bring a stroller.
During the procedure
The child will lie on a soft table and a technologist will place a small needle called an IV into a vein in your child's hand or his foot. The needle hurts for just a moment. When the needle is in, the medicine is injected into a vein and the technologist begins taking pictures.
Your child will need to lie still while a special camera is used to take pictures from above and below. He may need a safety belt to help him lie still. During this time he may watch a DVD.
It will take at least 1 hour — and sometimes 2 hours — to take all of the pictures. During this time, the camera will not hurt or touch your child. You will be able to stay with him during the entire test.
It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.
After the scan
The child eliminates the medicine from his body by urinating. He should drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help clear it from his body. It should be completely out of his body within 24 hours.
As always, you and your child should wash your hands after he urinates or when handling urine-soaked diapers or sheets.
After the test, your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. Results of the test will be available to your child's doctor within 24 hours.
Technology/Scanners used
The pictures will be taken by a Siemens ECam. The open gantry design and feet-in imaging helps your child to feel more comfortable and allows him to watch a movie. The camera has two detectors, one which will be above your child and one which will be under him during the pictures.