Learn about HIDA Scan Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in HIDA Scan and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan, also known as hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan or cholescintigraphy, is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to evaluate the function of the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. During the test, a small, safe amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. This tracer is taken up by liver cells and excreted into the bile, allowing a gamma camera to track its flow. The scan helps diagnose conditions like acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder emptying), bile leaks, and obstructions. It is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that provides critical functional information not always visible on other imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans.

Key Highlights

    Provides functional assessment of the gallbladder, liver, and biliary system.Non-invasive and typically painless, involving only an intravenous injection.Helps diagnose the cause of unexplained abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant.Can identify bile duct obstructions, leaks, and gallbladder ejection fraction.Often more accurate than ultrasound for diagnosing acute cholecystitis or biliary dyskinesia.Outpatient procedure with no surgical incisions required./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Evaluation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, especially if gallstones are suspected.
  • Diagnosis of acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
  • Suspected biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder contraction and emptying).
  • Detection of bile leaks following surgery or trauma.
  • Assessment of bile duct obstruction or patency.
  • Evaluation of congenital biliary abnormalities.
  • Assessment of liver transplant biliary complications.
  • Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or jaundice.

How to prepare

  • Fasting is usually required for 4 to 6 hours before the scan to ensure the gallbladder is full and ready to contract.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, especially narcotics, as some may interfere with gallbladder function.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or fasteners near the abdomen.
  • Inform the technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any allergies.
  • You may be asked to sign a consent form after the procedure is explained.
  • Arrive on time, as the procedure involves precise timing for imaging.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minimal radiation exposure, comparable to other diagnostic X-ray procedures.
  • Rare allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer (extremely uncommon).
  • Minor discomfort, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site.
  • False-positive or false-negative results are possible, though uncommon.
  • There is a very small risk of infection from the IV line insertion.
  • No significant long-term side effects are associated with the tracer.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You can typically resume normal activities, including driving, immediately after the scan.
  • Drink plenty of water to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.
  • No special dietary restrictions are required post-procedure.
  • The radioactive material decays and is eliminated from the body within 24 hours.
  • Results are analyzed by a nuclear medicine physician and reported to your referring doctor, usually within 1-2 days.
  • Follow up with your doctor to discuss the scan results and any necessary next steps.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days (immediate)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering hida scan in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for hida scan compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 4.5 Thousand – 12 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
Turkey TRY 15.8 Thousand – 42 Thousand 0 days (outpatient) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Priya Gupta, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Priya Gupta, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp pain in her upper right abdomen for nearly a year. The pain, often worse after eating fatty foods like her favorite butter chicken, would sometimes radiate to her back. She had tried dietary changes and over-the-counter antacids with little relief. Her primary care physician, suspecting gallbladder dysfunction, referred her to a gastroenterologist. The specialist, after an ultrasound showed no gallstones, recommended a HIDA scan to measure her gallbladder's ejection fraction. Priya was nervous about the 'nuclear' aspect but was reassured it was a low-radiation, standard test. During the scan, she lay still on the table as the tracer was injected; the most challenging part was the four-hour wait. The scan revealed a low ejection fraction of 18%, confirming biliary dyskinesia. A follow-up consultation with a surgeon was scheduled. Priya felt a profound mix of validation and anxiety, finally, an answer, but now facing potential surgery. The clear diagnosis, however, replaced her long-standing frustration with a focused path forward.

Nuclear Medicines for HIDA Scan

Explore experienced nuclear medicines who regularly perform hida scan and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Rama Mohan Reddy G
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SUBRAHMANYAM N
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sachin Arora
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. Satish Nath S D
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. S Sumati
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Arun Prashanth K
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Noaline Sinha
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. RV Parameshwaran
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Bhargavi Jois
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Pankaj Mhatre
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Aadil Adnan
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Tajamul Syed Malik
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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