Gallbladder radionuclide scan: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Gallbladder radionuclide scan is a test that uses radioactive material to check gallbladder function. It is also used to look for bile duct blockage or leak.

T How the Test is Performed
P The health care provider will inject a radioactive chemical called a gamma emitting tracer into a vein. This material collects mostly in the liver. It will then flow with bile into the gallbladder and then the duodenum or small intestine.
P For the test:
- You lie face up on a table under a scanner called a gamma camera. The scanner detects the rays being emitted from the tracer. A computer displays images of where the tracer is found in the organs.
- Images will be taken every 5 to 15 minutes. Most of the time, the test takes about 1 hour, but it can take up to 4 hours.
P If the provider cannot see the gallbladder after certain amount of time, you may be given a small amount of morphine. This can help the radionuclide get into the gallbladder. The morphine may cause you to feel tired after the exam.
P In some cases, you may be given a medicine during this test to see how well your gallbladder squeezes (contracts). The medicine may be injected into the vein. Otherwise, you may be asked to drink a high-density drink like Boost which will help your gallbladder contract.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P You need to eat something within a day of the test. However, you must stop eating or drinking 4 hours before the test starts.

T How the Test will Feel
P You will feel a sharp prick from the needle when the tracer is injected into the vein. The site may be sore after the injection. There is normally no pain during the scan.

T Why the Test is Performed
P This test is very good for detecting a sudden infection of the gallbladder or blockage of a bile duct. It is also helpful in determining whether there is rejection of a transplanted liver or a leak after the gallbladder has been surgically removed.
P The test can also be used to detect long-term gallbladder problems.

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Abnormal results may be due to:
- Abnormal anatomy of the bile system (biliary anomalies)
- Bile duct obstruction
- Bile leaks or abnormal ducts
- Cancer of the hepatobiliary system
- Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
- Gallstones
- Infection of the gallbladder, ducts, or liver
- Liver disease
- Transplant rejection (after liver transplant)

T Risks
P There is a small risk to pregnant or nursing mothers. Unless it is absolutely necessary, the scan will be delayed until you are no longer pregnant or nursing.
P The amount of radiation is small (less than that of a regular x-ray). It is almost all gone from the body within 1 or 2 days. Your risk from radiation may increase if you have a lot of scans.

T Considerations
P Most of the time, this test is done only if a person has sudden pain that may be from gallbladder disease or gallstones. For this reason, some people may need urgent treatment based on the test results.
P This test is combined with other imaging (such as CT or ultrasound). After the gallbladder scan, the person may be prepared for surgery, if needed.

T Alternative Names
P Radionuclide - gallbladder; Gallbladder scan; Biliary scan; Cholescintigraphy; HIDA; Hepatobiliary nuclear imaging scan

T Images
- Gallbladder
- Gallbladder radionuclide scan

T References
P Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 155.
P Wang DQH, Afdhal NH. Gallstone disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 65.

T Review Date 1/2/2017
P Updated by: Jason Levy, MD, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

