The "water-ida": a simple means to separate duodenal from gallbladder activity on cholescintigraphic studies

In some 99mTc-iminodiacetic acid studies, separation of the gallbladder from the duodenum can be difficult, despite multiple views. When faced with this problem, we have had the patient ingest 250 cc of tap water. This ingestion clears the duodenum of activity and has allowed us to see the residual activity in the gallbladder. This "water-ida" view may be a useful addition in difficult to interpret hepatobiliary studies.