Is the hida scan a reliable test?

Yes.: If acute cholecystitis/gallstones are still suspected after ultrasound, a hida scan can be used to see if the cystic duct is obstructed.

It depends...: A hida scan is usually ordered to check for gb obstruction, which would be consistent with acute cholecystitis. If the gb is visualized, acute cholecystitis is effectively "ruled-out"; however, nonvizualization of the gb may occur due to reasons other than acute inflammation. Likewise, cck-hida scans have a 25% "false-positive" rate and should not be relied on for surgical decisions alone.

Performed properly: A hida scan (with or without ejection fraction determination using kinevac, a cck hormone analog) is an accurate test for the following indications: determining biliary ductal obstruction bile leak acute versus chronic cholecystitis gallbladder dysfunction.

In right context: HIDA scans on their own usually can't diagnose a problem. Your doctor considers them along with your signs and symptoms, other test results, and other imaging to arrive at a diagnosis.