Gallbladder Scan

Hepatobiliary Scan, HIDA Scan, Nuclear Scan, Gallbladder, 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 find 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.
• Find blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) leading from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine (duodenum).
• Look for leakage of bile after surgery or an injury.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
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