Gallbladder Scan

Overview

A gallbladder scan is a nuclear scanning test that is done to evaluate gallbladder function. It can detect blockage in the tubes (bile ducts) that lead from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.

During a gallbladder scan, a radioactive tracer substance is injected into a vein in the arm. The liver removes the tracer from the bloodstream and adds it to the bile that normally flows through the bile ducts to the gallbladder. The gallbladder then releases the tracer into the beginning of the small intestine. The scanning pictures are taken as the tracer moves through the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and duodenum.

Patient Prep

There is no preparation for this test.

Test Procedure

A gallbladder scan is usually done by a nuclear medicine technologist. The scan pictures are usually interpreted by a radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist.

You will need to remove any jewelry that might interfere with the scan. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes; depending on which area is being examined (you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not interfere with the test). You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.

The technologist cleans the site on your arm where the radioactive tracer will be injected. A small amount of the radioactive tracer is then injected.

You will lie on your back on a table and a large scanning camera will be positioned closely above your abdomen. After the radioactive tracer is injected, the camera will scan for radiation released by the tracer and produce pictures as the tracer passes through your liver and into your gallbladder and small intestine. The first pictures will be taken immediately after the injection, and then about every 5 to 10 minutes for up to the next 1½ hours. Each scan takes only a few minutes. You need to lie very still during each scan to avoid blurring the pictures. The camera does not produce any radiation, so you are not exposed to any additional radiation while the scan is being done.

A substance that stimulates the gallbladder may also be injected into your vein during the scans. The pictures taken after this injection can help determine whether the gallbladder is functioning normally. Computer analysis of the data may be used to evaluate gallbladder function. You may be asked to answer questions about your reaction to the substance. Occasionally medication (morphine sulfate) is given to help diagnose inflammation of the gallbladder.

Depending upon your results, additional scans may be taken up to a day later. If you need to return for another gallbladder scan, you should not eat any fatty foods before you return.

The gallbladder scan takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Test Results

It can take time for the test results and how long will depend on the reasons for the scan. Usually, a specialist in radiology examines the scan and a report is sent to your physician, who reviews the results with you.