During the procedure, a technician injects a tiny amount of a radioactive compound into your bloodstream. As it travels through your liver, gallbladder, and small intestine, a camera tracks its movement and takes pictures of those organs. A HIDA scan shows how well your gallbladder is working.

How painful is a HIDA scan?

The HIDA scan itself is painless, but you may feel a brief sting or pinch as the IV is placed in your arm. You may feel a brief pain in your belly as the medicine that stimulates your gallbladder starts to work. Anytime you're exposed to radiation, there's a small chance of damage to cells or tissue.

How long does a hepatobiliary scan take?

A HIDA scan typically takes between one hour and one-and-a-half hours to complete. But it could take as little as a half hour and as much as four hours, depending on your body functions.