Doctors can test for gallbladder issues using a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Several issues can affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, inflammation, or infections. It’s important to get medical help if you experience:

  • severe abdominal pain
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • fever
  • other ongoing digestive problems

Let’s explore how doctors use diagnostic tools like physical exams, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other imaging techniques to test for gallbladder issues, identify the underlying causes, and guide treatment.

After taking a complete medical history, a physical examination is often the next step in diagnosing gallbladder problems. During the exam, your doctor will check for tenderness in your abdomen, especially on the upper right side, where the gallbladder is located.

They may perform a test known as Murphy’s sign, which involves pressing on your abdomen while you take a deep breath. If this action causes sharp pain, it could indicate gallbladder inflammation.

Additionally, your doctor will look for signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, which can suggest a bile duct blockage and indicate the presence of gallbladder disease.

These observations help your doctor determine if further testing is necessary.

Blood tests can help doctors assess gallbladder function and detect possible infections or complications. Common tests include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC detects infections or inflammation by checking white blood cell levels.
  • Liver function tests (LFTs): These tests assess your liver enzymes to determine whether bile flow is obstructed or impaired.
  • Pancreas function tests: A pancreas function test evaluates enzymes like amylase and lipase to check if the pancreas is affected.
  • Serum bilirubin test: This test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood. Elevated levels can suggest bile duct blockages, gallstones, or other gallbladder-related problems.

These tests capture detailed images of the gallbladder and bile ducts, helping doctors test for gallbladder issues such as gallstones, inflammation, or blockages. They include:

Gallbladder ultrasound

A gallbladder ultrasound is often the first imaging test for gallbladder issues. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder and surrounding areas.

During the procedure, a technician moves a handheld device, called a transducer, over your abdomen. This painless process helps detect gallstones, thickened gallbladder walls, or signs of inflammation.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

EUS combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and an ultrasound device is inserted through your mouth, passed down your throat, and guided into your digestive tract.

Doctors often use EUS to diagnose gallbladder abnormalities or stage tumors in the gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Although minimally invasive, the procedure may cause mild throat discomfort, soreness, or irritation afterward.

Gallbladder CT scan

This test uses X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen. It helps identify signs of gallbladder inflammation or bile flow obstructions.

During the procedure, you’ll lie on a table that moves through a CT scanner, which rotates to capture the images. While the gallbladder CT scan involves minimal radiation exposure, it is generally safe and noninvasive.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

MRCP is a specialized type of MRI that focuses on the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. This test uses magnetic fields to create high resolution images, helping detect blockages, stones, or other problems.

The procedure requires you to lie in an MRI machine while remaining still as images are taken. MRCP is noninvasive, but some people may experience mild claustrophobia or discomfort during the test.

Oral cholecystography

Oral cholecystography, also called a gallbladder X-ray, is used to evaluate gallbladder function and bile flow. In this test, you swallow a pill containing a contrast dye that highlights the gallbladder on X-ray images.

This procedure identifies gallstones, blockages, or abnormal bile flow. However, healthcare professionals rarely use it now, as abdominal ultrasounds and CT scans are more accurate for diagnosing gallbladder problems.

Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan

A HIDA scan, also called a gallbladder radionuclide scan, evaluates the efficiency of your gallbladder and bile ducts. This test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into your bloodstream.

A specialized camera monitors the tracer as it moves through the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, helping to detect blockages, dysfunction, or abnormal bile flow. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the radiotracer may occur.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine and treat bile duct blockages. A healthcare professional inserts a flexible tube with a camera through your mouth and guides it into your digestive tract. Once it’s there, they inject a contrast dye into the bile ducts for X-ray imaging.

In addition to diagnosing gallbladder issues, doctors can use ERCP to remove gallstones or insert stents to relieve blockages. While effective, ERCP carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, or mild discomfort after the procedure.

A low functioning gallbladder, also known as biliary dyskinesia, often presents with symptoms that can be difficult to differentiate from other gallbladder issues.

The main symptom is often pain in the upper right abdomen, which may occur especially after eating fatty meals when the gallbladder doesn’t contract properly to release bile.

Other symptoms may include bloating, nausea, or vomiting due to bile buildup or poor digestion, as the body experiences difficulty processing certain foods without adequate bile flow.

Gallbladder problems can result from various conditions, including:

The “Five Fs” is a mnemonic used to identify risk factors commonly associated with gallbladder diseases.

  • Female: Hormonal changes may increase the risk of gallstones.
  • Forty: Risk increases with age, especially after age 40 years.
  • Fertile: Pregnancy-related hormone changes can contribute to gallstones.
  • Fat: Obesity is a significant risk factor.
  • Family history: Genetics may play a role in gallbladder disease.

What is the best test to detect gallbladder issues?

Ultrasounds are often best for diagnosing gallbladder issues. But for more complex cases, doctors may recommend MRCP or a HIDA scan.

How long does a HIDA scan take?

A HIDA scan usually takes about 1 hour, though the exact duration can vary depending on how quickly the tracer moves through your system.

Do they put you to sleep for a HIDA scan?

No, a HIDA scan is a noninvasive procedure performed while you’re awake. However, you’ll need to lie still during the test.

Diagnosing gallbladder problems typically involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Early detection of gallbladder issues allows doctors to recommend the most effective treatment for your condition.

If you’re concerned about how to test for gallbladder issues, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.