Gallbladder Scan: Results
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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.
| Normal: | The radioactive tracer flows evenly through the liver and then into the gallbladder and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). |
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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 tumor, infection, or inflammation of the pancreas. See a picture of a gallbladder scan | |
Pain occurs when the gallbladder empties the tracer. |
| Last updated: | October 24, 2008 |
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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