Gallbladder Scan

Hepatobiliary Scan, HIDA Scan, Scan, Gallbladder

Why It Is Done

A gallbladder scan is done to:

• Help determine the cause of pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Evaluate the function of the gallbladder. A gallbladder ultrasound may be done before a gallbladder scan to help detect structural problems in the gallbladder. If the ultrasound is normal, a gallbladder scan often is done to evaluate gallbladder function.
• Help determine the cause of jaundice.
• Detect blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) leading from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine (duodenum).

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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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