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Answer to Question #2440 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Radiation effects to embryo/fetus The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I recently had a HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) Scan done for some problems I had been having. I just found that I am pregnant and had to have been pregnant when I had the test done, but probably just a few days along. What kind of effects could the HIDA Scan have on my unborn child?
A
Your embryo was in the earliest stages of development that is referred to as the "All or None period", because it is most resistant to the malforming effects of radiation. Secondly because of the nature of the diagnostic studies, the embryo received a very low exposure, because the gall bladder x rays do not expose the embryo to radiation. Only a very small amount of scatter radiation will have reached the embryo. You did not tell me the amount of technetium that was administered in mCi (millicuries). However, since it was a diagnostic test it also should have only exposed the embryo to a very low dose. Summing up, the exposure should be well below the upper limit that would concern us and your risks for birth defects and miscarriage would be the background risks providing that you do not have other reproductive problems or a family history of reproductive problems. These background risks are 3% for birth effects and 15 % for miscarriage. Good luck with your pregnancy.
Robert Brent MD, PhD, DSc
Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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