Tests for gallstones
Gallstone symptoms can be similar to other conditions. A range of tests including blood tests and ultrasound scans are used by doctors to diagnose gallstones and guide care.
The information on this page is for:
- Adults with gallstones or suspected gallstones.
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
On this page:
Blood tests
Most people with gallstones symptoms will have a test called a liver blood test. This is sometimes called an LFT or liver function test.
It is a very common test for checking on the liver. It looks at lots of different things. Some of them can be changed if gallstones are affecting how bile gets out of the gallbladder.
Imaging tests
Ultrasound scans
If doctors think someone has gallstones, they will probably recommend an ultrasound scan. This can help them to see the gallstones. Or rule out gallstones if there is a different problem.
Find out more about having an ultrasound scan for liver or bile ducts
Other imaging tests
In some cases, other imaging tests are needed.
CT scan. This is a type of X-ray that can get detailed pictures inside the body.
Find out more about having a CT scan
MRCP. This is a type of MRI scan that looks at the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Endoscopy. This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera. It is put down the throat to view the digestive system.
Gallstones found during tests for something else
Gallstones are sometimes found by accident. For example if someone has an ultrasound for something else.
Many gallstones never cause any problems, so they do not always need treatment. Sometimes the safest thing to do is to leave them alone.
But it is hard to predict who will never have problems and who will go on to get pain or complications. So talk to your liver medical team or GP for personal advice and help with deciding about treatment.
Questions to ask your medical team about gallstones test results
You might not get the test results straight away. If there are other medical conditions involved or it is a more complicated case then it could take a while.
When you do get the results it can be a lot to take in. It is always ok to ask for something to be explained again. You can also ask who to contact if you think of more questions later.
If the tests did not find gallstones
- What else might be causing the symptoms?
- Are more tests needed?
- Are there any symptoms I should look out for?
- What should I do if they happen?
If the tests found gallstones but no serious complication
- How likely do you think it is that the gallstones will cause a problem?
- What happens next?
- Will there be a follow up appointment?
- Are there any symptoms I should look out for?
- What should I do if they happen?
- What are the pain relief options?
- Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of another attack?
If the tests found gallstones and a serious complication
- What has been found?
- Which parts of the body are affected?
- What happens next?
- What are the treatment options?
- What are the pain relief options?
- What signs or symptoms should I look out for?
- What should I do if any of them happen?
Be very clear about the “what happens next” & ask them to repeat it if you are unclear.
Have pen & paper and notes of the conversation. You are likely to forget some of what is said so the notes will give you something to refer back to.
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This content was last reviewed: June 2026
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
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