A liver scan can be called a HIDA scan, cholescintigraphy, or hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
Understanding Liver Scans
Liver scans, which are also called hepatobiliary scans, are imaging tests that help doctors evaluate the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. These scans use radioactive tracers that are injected into your bloodstream and are then tracked as they pass through these organs.
Types of Liver Scans
The most common type of liver scan is a HIDA scan.
HIDA Scan
A HIDA scan (Hepato-Imino-Diacetic Acid scan) is a type of radionuclide imaging.
- It is also known as cholescintigraphy or hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
- It helps doctors assess the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine.
- This scan involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into a vein. This material is then absorbed by the liver and passed into the bile ducts, gallbladder, and small intestine.
- A special camera then takes pictures of these organs to show how they are working.
Here's a table summarizing the different names for a liver scan and their primary use:
| Name | Function |
|---|---|
| HIDA Scan | Evaluates the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine. |
| Cholescintigraphy | A synonym for HIDA scan; same function. |
| Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy | Another synonym for HIDA scan, same function. |
Using these scan types, doctors can identify a number of different conditions and diagnose potential issues with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or small intestine.
