Gallbladder Scan

Hepatobiliary Scan, HIDA Scan, Scan, Gallbladder

What To Think About

• A gallbladder ultrasound test may also be done to detect problems of the gallbladder. The ultrasound test provides more information about the shape and size of the gallbladder than a nuclear scan does. However, the nuclear scan can provide information about how well the gallbladder is functioning and whether the bile ducts are blocked. For more information, see the medical test Abdominal Ultrasound.
• The results of a gallbladder scan should be interpreted along with your symptoms and the results of other tests, such as a physical examination and an ultrasound. Abnormal results from a gallbladder scan do not necessarily mean that the gallbladder needs to be removed.
• A test called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) can be done to detect blockage of the bile duct. For more information, see the medical test Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP).
• A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method called MR cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP) may also be done to detect blockage of the bile duct.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 8, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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