Diagnosing gallbladder disease is best performed via evaluation by a specialist who can evaluate your symptoms along with any other work up you may have completed. The presence of gallstones is best accomplished through an ultrasound which is often a good first test if gallbladder disease is suspected. Gallstones can sometimes be seen on CAT scans and MRIs as well but these are not usually the best first test. When patients have problems related to the function of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones (called “biliary dyskinesia”) a HIDA scan can be ordered. This can demonstrate that the gallbladder squeezes ineffectively resulting in symptoms.
