Gallbladder Scan

Hepatobiliary Scan, HIDA Scan, Scan, Gallbladder

Results

A gallbladder scan is a special nuclear scanning test that is done to evaluate gallbladder function. The results of a gallbladder scan are available in 2 days.

Gallbladder scan

Normal:	The radioactive tracer flows evenly through the liver and then into the gallbladder and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
	The gallbladder is normal in size, shape, and location.
Abnormal:	The tracer may not be removed normally from the bloodstream by the liver, indicating possible liver disease.
	The tracer may not reach the gallbladder, indicating inflammation or blockage of the duct by a gallstone.
	The tracer may not reach the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum), indicating blockage of a bile duct by a stone, a tumour, or inflammation of the pancreas. See an illustration of a gallbladder scan.
	Pain occurs when the gallbladder empties the tracer.

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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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