Diagnosis of Gallbladder Problems

Evaluation begins with an assessment of your symptoms. Your physician will then determine whether imaging is necessary and what type may be needed. Tests may include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• HIDA scan
• MRCP or ERCP
• Blood Tests

Usually, an ultrasound is ordered to locate gallstones or duct dilation. If gallstones cannot be identified via ultrasound, your physician may order other testing (such as a HIDA Scan) or blood work. During a HIDA scan, a technician will inject a dye into a vein in your arm. A special nuclear medicine scanner then tracks the flow of the tracer from your liver into your gallbladder and small intestine.

If stones are discovered blocking a duct during an ERCP, the stone can be removed and further treatment decided after that.