Gallbladder radionuclide scan

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Gallbladder

Overview

Risks

Results

Gallbladder radionuclide scan

Alternative Names:

Radionuclide - gallbladder; Gallbladder scan; Biliary scan; Cholescintigraphy

What the risks are:

There is a small risk to pregnant or nursing mothers, because the fetus or small child has a greater sensitivity to radioactive chemicals. Unless it is absolutely necessary, the scan will be delayed.

The amount of radiation is small (less than that of a conventional x-ray) and is virtually gone from the body within 1 or 2 days. With increased number of scans, there is some radiation risk.

Special considerations:

Since this test is usually not performed unless there is acute pain, suspected gallbladder disease, or gall stones, many patients require special attention after the results of the test are known. If necessary, combined with other imaging (such as CT or ultrasound), the patient may be prepared for surgery following the gallbladder scan.

Review Date: 8/3/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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