Alternate Names: X-ray - gallbladder; Gallbladder series; OCG; Gallbladder X-ray

How Performed: The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider’s office by an X-ray technician. The night before the test, you swallow 6 tablets (1 at a time) that contains the contact medium. At the hospital, you will lie on the X-ray table and will be asked to assume various positions. The health care provider may examine the gallbladder with a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects the image onto a TV-like monitor). Then you may be asked to drink a high-fat formula that will cause the gallbladder to contract and release some bile. X-rays will then be taken at timed intervals.

How To Prepare: The health care provider must be notified if you are pregnant or allergic to X-ray contrast material (contains iodine). The day before the test you will be asked to eat a high-fat meal (eggs, butter, milk, salad oils, or fatty meats) at noon. That evening, eat a fat-free meal (fruits, vegetables, bread, tea or coffee, and only lean meat). Two hours after the fat-free meal, take 6 tablets, 1 at a time, which contain the contrast medium. After taking the tablets, consume no fluids until after the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: There is no discomfort from the test. One will be hungry and thirsty. Some people experience side effects from the contrast material. There is a slight chance of developing some diarrhea.

Risks: There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast material.

There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the X-ray.

Why Performed: The test is used to help in diagnosing disorders of the liver and gallbladder, including gallstones and tumors.

Normal Values: The X-ray will show normal structures for the age of the patient.

Abnormal Results: Abnormal results may show gallstones, tumors, inflammation, and cholesterol polyps (a tumor growing from the mucous membrane that is usually noncancerous).

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• acute cholecystitis
• chronic cholecystitis

Cost:

Special Considerations: If there is a history of severe kidney or lung damage, one is at an increased risk of injury or side effects from the procedure. In those cases, the gallbladder ultrasound is commonly used instead of the X-ray examination.