Hi Tori. Blood tests may not conclusively identify a gallbladder condition, like gallstones for example. While an ultrasound can be quite pricy, it is nevertheless necessary if you have symptoms indicative of a gallbladder problem. Rather be safe than sorry and identify the exact condition as soon as possible. This may unfortunately involve tests that come up clear in the end but there is no way of knowing for sure without running the relevant test.

ngibson0008,

a CT is usually more accurate investigation than CT. A gallbladder with gallstones is usually removed if it causes symptoms, otherwise it’s not necessary. Your doctors should explain you the situation.

Carl,

no, if the gallbladder will be the only thing to check. Gallbladder lies just below the right rib cage.

The morphine helps to distinguish between chronic and acute cholecystitis. The morphine allows the gallbladder to “fill” with the radioactive isoptope that you received. The “stuff that will make you sick” is called CCK. It is a hormone that is produced natrually in the body. It causes the gallbladder to contract and squeeze out all of the bile in it. (This also happens when you eat a greasy meal such as a cheeseburger and fries.) These contractions can cause you to have abdominal pain and nausea.

There are two parts to a HIDA scan. The first part tells the doctor whether or not the gallbladder is functioning. THe second part (with CCK) tells them just how well it is working if it is.

To Bonnie Christen:

The results of the first part often determines whether or not the second part is done. For instance, if you have gallstones, then the second part of the test typically isn’t done. The reason for this is because when CCK is given, it could cause the stones to travel causing an obstruction in the duct. Additionally, your doctor may not have ordered for the second part of the test to be done.

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FYI : HIDA scans can be performed on patients with a known iodine allergy since the radioactive isotope containes NO IODINE. It can also be performed during pregnancy if the benfits of the study greatly outweigh the risks. A dose with a reduced amount of radioactivity would be ordered for the patient. Obviously, imaging modalities that do not utilize ionizing radiation, such as ultrasound, would be used first. Patients that undergo this exam should also be aware that if they take narcotic pain relievers (i.e. morphine, demorrol) should not take them approximately 12 hours prior to their study. These medications can delay gallbladder filling and thus extending the test time. Normal test time is anywhere from 1.5 – 2 hours depending on facility and protocols.