How to Test for Gall Stones

Gallstones are tiny, hardened accumulation of calcium and cholesterol that block bile ducts. They are extremely painful and surgery is usually performed to remove the gall bladder when frequent stones form. Normally, galls stones aren't serious, but occasionally, bile backs up into the liver and causes infections. Knowing if you have gallstones is important to ensure your health safety.

Things You'll Need

• Physical Exam Blood Test Ultrasound CT Scan

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Instructions

• 1

  Do a physical exam. Gallstone pain leaves the area sensitive to pressure. You may feel slight pain when pressure is placed on the abdominal area.

• 2

  Take blood tests. Blood tests indicate gallstones by detecting immune cells from the body's attack of the infection. White blood cells are abnormally high in a person who has gallstones. Additionally, liver and pancreatic enzyme levels may be elevated and can be detected by blood tests.

• 3

  Undergo ultrasonography procedures. This type of test sends sound waves into the body to take black-and-white images of the organs. Because gallstones are hard crystals, the sound waves create an image of the stones in the gall bladder.

• 4

  Undergo a computerized tomography (CT) scan. This technique is similar to an ultrasonography procedure, except it uses X-rays instead of sound waves. The X-rays bounce off of tissue and bones in the body, giving an image for the doctor to observe any gallstones.

• 5

  Undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This is a procedure in which the doctor sends a tiny camera down your throat to view images of the gall bladder. Anesthesia is used, and if gallstones are found, surgery to remove the gall bladder is typically the next step.