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Imaging Services - Patient Instructions
Hepatobiliary Scan
A hepatobiliary scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to examine your gallbladder and bile ducts. The tracer is eliminated by your body as waste, usually within 24 hours. The radiation you are exposed to with the injected radioactive substance is about the same as a regular x-ray.
A hepatobiliary scan is performed to detect abnormalities in your gallbladder and/or bile ducts such as gallstones, or for right-sided, upper abdominal discomfort.
Before your scan, you should tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing. You should not eat or drink anything for four hours prior to your scan.
During the test, your first step is to have a radioactive substance (or tracer) injected into a vein in your arm. You will not feel any effects from the injection. Then you will be positioned on your back on a table and a large camera will be placed above you. The camera will scan for radiation released by the tracer and produce pictures as the tracer passes through your liver and into your gallbladder and small intestine. The first pictures will be taken immediately after the injection and then about every five minutes for up to the next hour. Each scan takes only a few minutes, and during that time, you will need to hold very still to avoid blurring the pictures. After the hour of scanning, you may be asked to go have something to eat and return for an additional scan or you may need to be injected with a substance that stimulates the gallbladder. The pictures taken after this injection can help determine whether the gallbladder is functioning normally. Occasionally, medication (morphine sulfate) is given to help diagnose proper bile flow in the gallbladder. If this is the case, you should have someone available to drive you home, as you should not drive after receiving that medication. Length of exam is 1-2 hours.
After the test, you can resume your normal activities unless you have received medication. Your hepatobiliary scan pictures will be examined by a radiologist. Your physician will receive a report of the findings and discuss the result with you.
Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.
Your appointment is on:
Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:
____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A
____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance
Contact Us
St. Cloud Hospital
Imaging Services
1406 Sixth Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-255-5619 |
CentraCare Health Plaza
Imaging Services
1900 CentraCare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-229-4914 |
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