X-ray examination of the gallbladder to evaluate for the presence of gallstones, inflammation, and tumors

A test used to diagnose gallstones that involves taking an iodine pill that makes stones visible on x-rays.

Abbreviated OCG. An x-ray procedure for diagnosing gallstones. The patient takes iodine-containing tablets by mouth for one night or two nights in a row. The iodine is absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream, removed from the blood by the liver, and excreted by the liver into the bile. The iodine, together with the bile, is highly concentrated in the gallbladder. Iodine is used in an OCG because it is dense and radioopaque (stops x-rays). It outlines the gallstones that are radiolucent (x-rays pass through them) and that are usually invisible on x-ray. The failure to visualize the gallbladder on an OCG is evidence for a diseased gallbladder. The OCG is an excellent procedure for diagnosing gallstones when they are strongly suspected but cannot be seen by ultrasound.

Gallbladder x-ray. The procedure is designed to test the function of the gallbladder and to detect gallstones. X-rays are taken of the gallbladder after a patient swallows a contrast agent such as a barium meal

(also gallbladder series; gallbladder X-ray; OCG; X-ray of the gallbladder) - The test is used to help in diagnosing disorders of the liver and gallbladder, including gallstones and tumors. More Information

A radiographic study used to visualize the gallbladder. A radiopaque agent concentrated in the gallbladder is given orally to the patient. X-rays of the abdomen are then taken 12 to 24 hours later. If the gallbladder does not visualize, it indicates gallbladder disease, usually chronic cholecystitis.