Concierge nuclear imaging · London
HIDA scan, nuclear medicine hepatobiliary imaging for cystic-duct obstruction and biliary function.
A HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) uses a Tc-99m tracer to image the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder. Diagnoses acute cholecystitis (cystic-duct obstruction), biliary leak, biliary atresia and functional biliary disease. Gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) reported.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant nuclear medicine physician — with hepatobiliary scintigraphy, who plans and reports the study decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed immediately, with the written report to follow.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private HIDA scan costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard HIDA scan in our network: £850–£1,400, with findings often the same day.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard HIDA scan | £850–£1,400 | 2 hrs | Same-day |
| HIDA with sincalide (GBEF) | £1,000–£1,600 | 2.5 hrs | Same-day |
| HIDA for suspected biliary leak | £950–£1,500 | 2–4 hrs | Same-day |
| Paediatric HIDA (biliary atresia work-up) | £1,200–£1,800 | 24 hrs | Next-day |
| HIDA + hepatobiliary MDT review | £1,300–£2,000 | Half-day | Same-week |
| Urgent same-week HIDA | £1,000–£1,700 | Half-day | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether sincalide is added for GBEF, and whether extended delayed imaging is required for a suspected biliary leak. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A HIDA scan is only as good as who reports it.
The dynamic sequence is the answer — and the nuclear medicine physician interpreting it decides what filling patterns, GBEF and leak signs mean for you. We route you to a consultant, not a generalist.
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Suspected acute cholecystitis?
Ultrasound equivocal — we arrange an urgent HIDA and route the answer straight to the surgical team.
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Biliary pain, normal ultrasound?
A HIDA with sincalide quantifies gallbladder ejection fraction and clarifies the next step.
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Post-op leak or duct concern?
We fold HIDA into a rounded hepatobiliary work-up with your surgeon and MDT if needed.
The journey
From referral to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to report — often within days.
Phase 1 · Before your scan
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~1–2 hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
Referral from gastro or surgery
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, referral letter, prior imaging, insurer details if you have them.
- 02
Before
Fast for 4–12 hours
Nil by mouth as directed. Some medications (opioids, prokinetics) are paused per protocol.
- 03
Before
IV Tc-99m HIDA tracer
A small intravenous injection of the technetium-labelled hepatobiliary tracer.
- 04
On the day
Serial gamma-camera imaging
1–2 hours of dynamic and delayed imaging under the gamma camera — you lie still, no enclosed tube.
- 05
On the day
Optional sincalide GBEF study
If gallbladder function is the question, sincalide is infused and gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) calculated.
- 06
After
Nuclear medicine consultant reporting
A consultant nuclear medicine physician reviews the dynamic sequence and issues a structured report.
- 07
After
Structured plan with referring team
The report is sent to your referrer with a clear next step — surgery, ERCP, medical management or reassurance.
Typical end-to-end: 3–7 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When a HIDA scan is the right test.
HIDA answers a specific question — is bile flowing, is the gallbladder filling and emptying, and is there a leak. These are the presentations we see most.
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Acute cholecystitis (non-filling GB)
Non-visualisation of the gallbladder at 60 minutes is the classic sign of cystic-duct obstruction.
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Chronic cholecystitis with reduced GBEF
A low gallbladder ejection fraction after sincalide points to functional biliary disease.
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Biliary leak post-cholecystectomy
Tracer accumulation outside the biliary tree confirms and localises a post-operative leak.
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Biliary atresia (paediatric)
Absent bowel activity by 24 hours in a jaundiced neonate raises concern for biliary atresia.
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Duct patency after intervention
Confirms flow through the biliary tree after stent, drain or reconstructive surgery.
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Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (limited role)
A quantitative adjunct in selected cases — interpreted alongside manometry where available.
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Cystic-duct syndrome
Delayed or absent gallbladder filling in a patient with typical biliary pain and normal ultrasound.
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Red flag: acute cholecystitis + sepsis — urgent surgical review
Do not wait for an outpatient pathway. Same-day surgical assessment is required.
Scan types
Not all HIDA scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard HIDA scan
Dynamic Tc-99m HIDA imaging of the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder over 60–90 minutes.
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HIDA with sincalide (GBEF)
Adds a sincalide infusion to quantify gallbladder ejection fraction for functional biliary disease.
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HIDA for suspected biliary leak
Extended delayed imaging to detect and localise bile leaks after cholecystectomy or hepatobiliary surgery.
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Paediatric HIDA
Phenobarbitone-primed study in jaundiced neonates to exclude biliary atresia.
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Post-intervention duct patency
Confirms hepatic-to-bowel transit after stent, drain or biliary reconstruction.
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Cystic-duct syndrome assessment
Targeted study for typical biliary pain with a structurally normal ultrasound.
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HIDA + hepatobiliary MDT
Scan reported into a hepatobiliary MDT for complex or malignancy-adjacent cases.
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Urgent same-week HIDA
Expedited slot when clinical suspicion of acute cholecystitis or biliary leak demands a rapid answer.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant nuclear medicine physicians reporting every study
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ARSAC-licensed centres with current-generation gamma cameras
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Sincalide-augmented GBEF available where clinically indicated
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Onward hepatobiliary surgery, ERCP or MDT pathway if significant disease is found
Safety and eligibility
A well-tolerated, low-dose nuclear study.
HIDA is a well-established test — the practical points are fasting, medications, and where the scan’s limits lie.
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Low-dose radiation
A HIDA scan uses a small, regulated dose of Tc-99m — comparable to routine diagnostic nuclear imaging.
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IV tracer injection
A single peripheral cannula for the Tc-99m HIDA — no iodinated contrast, no MRI-style enclosed tube.
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Fasting 4–12 hours
A recent meal contracts the gallbladder and can invalidate the study — fasting as directed is essential.
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Pregnancy (relative)
HIDA is generally avoided in pregnancy; MRCP or ultrasound is preferred unless benefits clearly outweigh risks.
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Breastfeeding pause
Short interruption of breastfeeding is advised per ARSAC guidance after the tracer injection.
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Renal impairment
Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction can alter tracer handling and reduce diagnostic accuracy — we flag this up front.
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Sincalide-induced pain
Sincalide can provoke transient biliary pain during the GBEF portion — this is expected and self-limiting.
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Opioids and prokinetics
Recent opioid or prokinetic use can distort gallbladder filling — bring an up-to-date medication list.
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A normal scan is not a full clear
A normal HIDA doesn’t exclude every biliary pathology — MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound may still be needed.
Red flags — urgent review
- Acute cholecystitis with sepsis
- Emphysematous cholecystitis
- Bile duct obstruction with cholangitis
- Post-cholecystectomy bile leak
- Biliary atresia in a jaundiced neonate
- Suspected hepatobiliary malignancy
- Pregnancy (relative contraindication)
- Significant renal impairment
- Sincalide-induced biliary pain
Reading your report
A HIDA report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and clinical context
Your details, the reason for the scan, and the relevant surgical or biliary history.
- 02 Technique
Tracer dose, timing and sincalide protocol
Injected activity of Tc-99m HIDA, imaging windows, and whether sincalide was administered.
- 03 Findings
Hepatic uptake, duct and gallbladder filling
Time-activity description across liver, ducts, gallbladder and bowel, with GBEF where measured.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, acute cholecystitis, biliary leak, reduced GBEF — with the concrete next step for your team.
Treatment & next steps
What happens after a positive HIDA.
The scan is one input. The plan is decided with your hepatobiliary team.
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
The definitive treatment for acute or chronic cholecystitis in fit surgical candidates.
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Percutaneous cholecystostomy
A drain into the gallbladder for patients too unwell for immediate surgery.
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IV antibiotics for acute cholecystitis
Broad-spectrum antibiotics to control infection before or alongside surgery.
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ERCP for biliary leak or stones
Endoscopic stent or stone extraction for post-op leaks or duct-stone obstruction.
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Repeat imaging post-intervention
Confirms leak resolution or restored duct patency after surgery, stent or drain.
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Hepatobiliary MDT review
Multi-disciplinary discussion for complex, malignant or recurrent biliary disease.
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Paediatric surgery for biliary atresia
Urgent Kasai portoenterostomy referral in a neonate with confirmed atresia.
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Structured follow-up
A written plan with your referring team — clinic review, further imaging or surgical listing.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about the HIDA scan.
Quick answers on cost, fasting, GBEF, safety, and how HIDA compares with ultrasound and MRCP.
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What does a HIDA scan show?
A HIDA scan (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) uses a Tc-99m tracer to image the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder in real time. It diagnoses acute cholecystitis, biliary leak and biliary atresia, and quantifies gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) for functional biliary disease.
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How is a HIDA scan different from an ultrasound or MRCP?
Ultrasound shows structure — stones, wall thickness, ducts. MRCP shows the biliary anatomy in detail. HIDA is functional: it shows whether bile is actually flowing and whether the gallbladder is filling and emptying normally.
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How much does a private HIDA scan cost in London?
A standard HIDA scan is typically £850–£1,400 in our network; adding sincalide for GBEF or extending imaging for a suspected biliary leak raises the price. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need to fast before a HIDA scan?
Yes — fasting for 4–12 hours is required, and certain medications (opioids, prokinetics) are paused per protocol. A recent meal contracts the gallbladder and can invalidate the study.
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How long does a HIDA scan take?
Standard imaging is 60–90 minutes. If sincalide is added for GBEF, allow around 2.5 hours. Delayed imaging for suspected biliary leak may extend to 4 hours, and paediatric biliary atresia work-up may include 24-hour delayed images.
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Is a HIDA scan safe?
HIDA uses a small, regulated dose of Tc-99m — comparable to routine diagnostic nuclear imaging. It is generally avoided in pregnancy, and a short interruption of breastfeeding is advised after the injection per ARSAC guidance.
Sources & clinical guidance
Guidelines this guide is written against.
- British Society of Gastroenterology. Guidelines on the management of gallstone disease.
- European Association of Nuclear Medicine. Procedure guideline for hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
- Royal College of Radiologists. iRefer imaging referral guidelines.
- American College of Gastroenterology. Clinical guidelines on functional gallbladder disorders.
Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, . Published 2026-07-30. Next review 2027-07-30. Reading time 6 minutes.
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In practice, in London
Why private hida scan moves differently in London
With hida scan, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. The wait for hida scan on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.
The mechanics are straightforward: a consultant appointment, any tests done at a nearby CQC-registered site, and a written report back within a few days. London’s density of private diagnostics — Marylebone, the City, Chelsea, Canary Wharf — means most patients can find something that fits around work without a cross-town trek. For hida scan specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
The value of going through a concierge for hida scan isn’t access — anyone with an insurer or a credit card can get a private appointment in London. The value is knowing which consultant reads this particular presentation best, which unit turns reports around fastest, and which pathway won’t hit a dead end if the findings point somewhere unexpected.