To diagnose acute cholecystitis, your GP will first physically examine your abdomen (tummy).
Murphy’s sign
Your GP will probably carry out a simple test called Murphy’s sign. They will ask you to breathe in deeply while they firmly place their hand around your rib cage. Breathing in causes your gallbladder to move downwards. If you have cholecystitis, you will wince from sudden pain as your gallbladder contacts your doctor’s hand.
Blood test
Your GP will also refer you for a blood test to see whether you have a higher than normal amount of white blood cells in your blood. An increased white blood cell count is usually a sign of inflammation in your body.
Ultrasound scan
If both of the above tests are positive, it is likely you will be referred to hospital for an ultrasound scan. This is where high-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of the inside of your body.
Other testing
Other testing is usually only required if the results of the ultrasound are inconclusive or if it is thought that complications may have occurred, such as the gallbladder becoming torn.
Other tests that may be carried out include:
- computerised tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of the body
- magnetic resonance imaging scan with cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which may be carried out if it is thought that a gallstone may have moved from your gallbladder into a bile duct and is causing an obstruction
