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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Purpose Of HB Scan?

My mom was just told she needs an HB scan. What will that show? She is 59 years old and has been having a pain in her side. They told her about the HB scan after an ultrasound did not show anything conclusive. She doesn't understand what the HB test is for. Could you explain it to me?
Tue, 23 Sep 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

A hepatobiliary HB (HIDA) scan is an imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. This cannot be examined in detail on ultrasound in the absence of an significant obstruction.

In the HIDA scan, a radioactive chemical or tracer is injected into a vein in the arm. Then sequential images are obtained and studied for abnormal function. This is a very safe investigation.

In your mother, a HIDA scan may help in the diagnosis of several diseases and conditions, such as:

Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
Bile duct obstruction
Congenital abnormalities in the bile ducts, such as biliary atresia
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What Is The Purpose Of HB Scan?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. A hepatobiliary HB (HIDA) scan is an imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. This cannot be examined in detail on ultrasound in the absence of an significant obstruction. In the HIDA scan, a radioactive chemical or tracer is injected into a vein in the arm. Then sequential images are obtained and studied for abnormal function. This is a very safe investigation. In your mother, a HIDA scan may help in the diagnosis of several diseases and conditions, such as: Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) Bile duct obstruction Congenital abnormalities in the bile ducts, such as biliary atresia