Jun 01 2008
Risks of a GallBladder Scan
A gallbladder scan is ordered when you have right side pain and other indications of a dysfunctioning gallbladder. The test takes about two hours and is given while you are lying down underneath a scanner much like an MRI. The first injection is of a tracer to trace the path of the chemical through the liver and bile ducts, and in and out of the gallbladder. Then a chemical known as cholecystokinin, or CCK, is given. This stimulates the gallbladder and can cause nausea and pain if the patient does have a dysfunctioning gallbladder. A series of pictures are taken after every injection, to test for function and structure abnormalities.
Generally it is a very safe test, one that is given on a regular basis to test for gallbladder trouble. Risks and factors in this procedure are very rare. There can be some soreness where the tracer and CCK are injected. This is generally caused by the needle staying in the arm with any movement with the patient and not from the chemicals themselves. If this is the case, warm compresses and an OTC pain remedy can fix this.
Allergies to the tracer can happen, although they are rare. The radioactive tracer used to test the structure of the gallbladder will be excreted through your system in a day. So for the first 24-48 hours after every bathroom visit, you will need to wash your hands with soap and water because the tracer is radioactive. It is a small amount of radiation, but radiation nonetheless. The radiation from the xrays, of course, will not be affected this way.
Cell damage or tissue damage can occur. There is a slight risk of this with the radiation. Even with the low level of radiation from the radioactive tracer, some cases of cell and tissue damage have been reported. This is always a concern, even if not very likely.
There are factors that can affect this test. If you are pregnant, the test will not be administered because the radiation from the tracer and the xrays can damage the fetus. If you have taken barium and/or bismuth recently, the test will be postponed. Usually a gallbladder scan will be scheduled before tests such as barium enemas because of this. And if you can’t stay still for the two hours for any reason, your doctor may schedule an ultrasound first. Patients must stay still for this test.
