What laboratory finding is most closely associated with gallbladder disease?

Increased white blood cell count is most closely associated with gallbladder disease because it indicates the presence of inflammation or infection. When the gallbladder is diseased, such as in cases of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangitis (infection of the bile duct), the body's immune response kicks in, resulting in an elevated white blood cell count. This is a typical laboratory finding that reflects the body's attempt to fight off infection or respond to inflammatory processes.

Other laboratory findings such as alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and bilirubin levels can be relevant in gallbladder disease but are not as directly indicative. Increased alkaline phosphatase levels may suggest obstruction of the bile flow but would not typically decrease in these scenarios. Increased creatinine levels primarily reflect kidney issues rather than gallbladder conditions. Decreased bilirubin levels would be unusual in gallbladder disease since obstructive conditions often lead to elevated bilirubin due to bile accumulation. Therefore, an increased white blood cell count is a more definitive marker for diagnosing gallbladder disease.