Final answer:
A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is a nuclear imaging test used to examine gallbladder function and bile ducts for blockages or other abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan, also known as cholescintigraphy, is a nuclear imaging procedure used to evaluate the function of the gallbladder and the bile ducts. During the scan, a radioactive tracer substance, hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA), is injected into a vein in the patient's arm. The liver processes this tracer and it passes into the bile ducts, gallbladder, and eventually the small intestine. A special camera takes pictures that allow healthcare providers to see if the bile is moving through the system correctly and to check for blockages or abnormalities in gallbladder function.
This test can be particularly useful for detecting conditions such as gallstones, cholecystitis, and bile duct obstruction. It is just one of the various medical imaging tools available alongside abdominal X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and others which are used to diagnose a range of conditions affecting the hepatobiliary system and other organs.