THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
NUCLEAR MEDICINE GALL BLADDER SCAN

WHAT IS IT?
A Nuclear Medicine Gallbladder Scan is an exam to evaluate the function of the gallbladder to collect bile from the liver and secrete the bile into the small bowel to assist with digestion.

Nuclear Medicine scans are performed using very small amounts of radioactive material. The radioactive material is usually bound to other non-radioactive elements. These combined elements are called "radionuclide". The radionuclide emit energy called "photons". Radionuclide can be directed to many organs and systems in the body. Once a radionuclide is distributed in an organ or system, the photon energy is collected by a "Gamma Camera". The Gamma Camera detects the pattern of distribution of the radionuclide in the body and sends this information to a computer. The computer processes the information and displays the information in the form of a picture.

Nuclear Medicine exams differ from other x-ray procedures because the energy (x-rays and photons) come from different sources. X-ray energy is created by the x-ray tube and pass through the body. Another major difference is that Nuclear Medicine exams best demonstrate body physiology (system function), whereas x-rays show anatomical detail.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will inject a special radionuclide into your vein, usually in your arm. The blood will carry the radionuclide to your liver and collect in your gallbladder. After the injection, the technologist will position you on a flat table and will place you under the Gamma Camera. The Gamma Camera will be very close to you to obtain the best picture. The Gamma Camera will begin to take a series of pictures over time to record the collection of bile in the gallbladder and the secretion into the small bowel. You will receive another injection when your gallbladder has collected enough bile. This injection makes your stomach feel queasy, but it will pass quickly. This injection makes your gallbladder contract and we can measure how well it is working.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
It will take 10 - 15 minutes to prepare for your exam after you arrive. It usually takes 90 minutes to complete the exam. Sometimes the exam may be extended if the gallbladder functions slowly or you may need to return after several hours for a delayed picture.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You may feel a slight pinprick in the vein of your arm when the radionuclide is injected. You will not feel any effects from the radionuclide injection. When your scan is begun, you will need to lay flat on a table. You will need to lay very still while the scan is being performed so that the best picture can be made. You will not feel any effects from the Gamma Camera. It does not create radiation, it only detects the radiation coming from the injected radionuclide. The Gamma Camera is a large machine that collects the emitted photons from the radionuclide but produces very little sound. The Gamma Camera must be very close to you and will be moved over your body to obtain the pictures. The radiation will totally disappear from your body in about 48 hours. The radiation exposure you receive for the bone scan is no more than from a routine x-ray procedure.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The radionuclide is distributed in your liver, gallbladder and small bowel in different patterns depending on how well the gallbladder is functioning. If the gallbladder is not functioning well, is obstructed by gallstones or inflammation, the indications of this will be seen on the pictures.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You should not eat or drink anything for four (4) hours before the exam. Just before the start of your scan, you will need to urinate and empty your bladder so that you are as comfortable as possible during the exam. You should remove any metal such as belt buckle, keys, coins, etc., since these will interfere with the pictures.

Reviewed: May 2005