Gallbladder Nuclear Medicine Scan: Preparation & Procedure - What to Expect

Before the scan:

* Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

* Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

* Fast for at least 4 hours before the scan.

* Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, before the scan.

* Avoid eating fatty foods or drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the scan.

* Empty your bladder just before the scan.

During the scan:

* You will be asked to lie on a table under a gamma camera.

* A radioactive tracer will be injected into your vein.

* The gamma camera will take pictures of your gallbladder as the tracer moves through your body.

*The scan will take about 30 minutes.

After the scan:

* You will be able to go home after the scan.

* Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after the scan.

* Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.

* You may experience some mild side effects from the radioactive tracer, such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. These side effects should go away within a few days.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after the scan:

* Severe nausea or vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain

* Fever

* Rash

* Shortness of breath