How are gallstones primarily diagnosed in a clinical setting?

Gallstones are primarily diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound because it is a non-invasive, highly sensitive method specifically designed to visualize the gallbladder and surrounding structures. Ultrasound effectively detects the presence of gallstones, as they typically appear as echogenic structures that cast shadows on the ultrasound screen. This method is advantageous due to its safety profile, lack of ionizing radiation, and ability to assess gallbladder function, such as gallbladder wall thickness or the presence of complications like inflammation or infection.

Other imaging modalities, such as CT scans and X-rays, can also be used in certain situations, but they are less sensitive for gallstone detection compared to ultrasound. Blood tests are useful for assessing liver function or signs of inflammation, but they do not directly diagnose gallstones. Therefore, abdominal ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic tool in a clinical setting for identifying gallstones.