Final answer:
To diagnose gallstones, symptoms or complications, imaging tests (abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, HIDA scan), and labs like LFTs and CBC must all indicate the presence of gallstones or related issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
To diagnose gallstones, three criteria must typically be met. First, the patient might experience symptoms or complications associated with gallstones, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, or pancreatic inflammation.
Second, imaging tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy) can detect the presence of gallstones or blockages caused by them.
Third, laboratory tests, including liver function tests (LFTs), complete blood count (CBC), and checks of the blood's amylase or lipase levels, can show evidence of gallbladder disease or related complications. These tests combined help in forming a comprehensive picture to confirm the diagnosis of gallstones.