WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about gallbladder ejection fraction? A gallbladder ejection fraction is a test to see how much bile leaves your gallbladder when it contracts and empties. The gallbladder holds bile from the liver. Your body uses bile to help digest the fats you eat. How do I prepare for the test? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the test. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your test. What will happen during the test? Your healthcare provider will place an IV into a vein, usually in your hand or arm. He will inject a substance called radioactive tracer to make your gallbladder show up better. He will then inject a medicine to make your gallbladder contract and empty. A camera will be placed over your stomach to take pictures. The pictures show how much bile leaves your gallbladder. The test may take up to 2 hours. What are the risks of the test? You may have bleeding, redness, or swelling where the IV was placed. |