Gallbladder problems are diagnosed using various
tests. These might include:
- Liver function tests (LFTs) -- These are blood tests that
can show evidence of gallbladder disease.
- Check of the blood's amylase or lipase levels to look for
pancreatic inflammation -- Amylase and lipase are enzymes
produced in the pancreas.
- Complete blood count (CBC) -- A CBC looks at levels of
different types of blood cells, such as white blood cells. A high
white blood cell count might indicate infection.
- Ultrasound -- Ultrasound testing uses sound waves to image
the intra-abdominal organs, including the gallbladder.
- Abdominal X-ray -- This test might show evidence of
gallbladder disease, such as gallstones.
- Computed tomography (CT) -- This scan constructs detailed
X-ray images of the abdominal organs.
- HIDA scan -- During this test, a radioactive material,
called hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA), is injected into the
patient. The radioactive material is taken up by the gallbladder to
measure gallbladder function. This test also is referred to as
cholescintigraphy.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) -- This
test uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed
pictures.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) --
This is a procedure during which a tube is placed down the
patient's throat, into the stomach, then into the small
intestine. Dye is injected and the ducts of the gallbladder, liver,
and pancreas can be seen on X-ray.