NM Hepatobiliary Scan

Overview-
This exam is performed to visualize the gallbladder filling and emptying. This test is most commonly ordered to evaluate for right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and to check for bile leaks.

Preparation-
Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to exam. No morphine or Demerol for 4 hrs prior to test.

Length of exam-
1 ½ - 2 hours

How is the exam performed?
The technologist will start an IV in your arm. You will be given 2 injections. The first is a radioactive tracer that has no side effects. You will lie under a camera that will take a picture of your liver/gallbladder every 5 minutes. When your gallbladder fills, you will be given the second injection which is called Kinevac. This medicine might make you feel nauseous, have abdominal pain such as you have had at home, or some patients don’t feel anything at all. If you do feel any of those symptoms, it will quickly pass. We will take images for approximately 30 more minutes and then you will be ready to leave.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.