Different Methods Used For Kidney Stone Diagnosis

Kidney stones are solid deposits made from calcium, oxalate and uric acid present in the urine. Usually, kidney stones originate as microscopic crystals and specks that will eventually harden over time.

Kidney stones sometimes remain in the kidney and sometimes they travel along the urinary tract to be flushed out. Small stones do not cause pain at all but for the larger ones expect severe pain when urinating. Pain is relieved once the stones have passed.

Patients suffering from kidney stones experience different symptoms. For small stones that lie inside the kidney, no pain is felt at all because it does not block the urinary tract. However, pain can be felt if the stone passes through the ureter (a tube that connects the kidney to the bladder).

Pain is also present in the lower back and the groin. Other symptoms include the following:

· Smelly urine
· Discoloration of the urine caused by bleeding
· Nausea and vomiting
· High fever
· Chilling
· Uncontrollable, frequent urination

Kidney stone diagnosis is performed to confirm the presence of stones. This is also important in determining what type of treatment the patient should have.

Imaging tests is used in kidney stone diagnosis. These include ultrasound, IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram), Retrograde Pyelogram and Computerized Tomography or better known as CT Scan.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves in kidney stone diagnosis. Using this test, the physician will be able to see pictures of the kidney's internal structure to locate the stones easier. However, locating small kidney stones is difficult especially if they are outside the kidney. Ultrasound is the most preferred imaging method for pregnant kidney stone patients.

IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram) involves the use of injectable contrast agent into the vein before having an x-ray. The contrast agent helps improve the images of the kidneys and ureter. The contrast agent will build up if a kidney stone is blocking the ureter making it easier to find the stone.

Retrograde Pyelogram is used for finding the opening that connects the ureter and the bladder. Similar to IVP, a contrast agent is also injected into the opening before taking an x-ray to locate the kidney stones. What is good about this kidney stone diagnosis is that there are lower risks of allergies because the contrast agent is not injected in the veins. In addition, it is the most effective way to view the entire urinary system.

CT Scan uses a computer and scanner for creating images of the patient's urinary system. This method can be done quickly but detecting small kidney stones near the bladder can be difficult. Other methods include blood and urine tests.

If you have kidney stones then you should immediately consult a specialist and undergo a kidney stone diagnosis to know what treatment is best for you.