Diagnosis of renal stone disease is based on the symptoms, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging tests. Blood and urine tests help detect any abnormal substance that might promote stone formation. Imaging tests can give detailed information about the size of the stone and its location. These include ultrasound, IVP (intravenous pyelogram), retrograde pyelogram and CT (computed tomography) scan. The results of all these tests help to determine the proper treatment.


Ultrasound Scan : A procedure uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce pictures of internal tissues or organs. But this method may miss small stones which are located outside the kidney.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - In this method, a contract dye is injected into a vein and a series of x-rays is taken as the dye moves through the kidneys, ureters and bladder. IVP can determine the location of stones in the urinary system and can define the degree of blockage caused by a stone. It may produce allergic reaction in susceptable individuals.

Retrograde Pyelogram - The most reliable method for detecting kidney stones but generally used only when other imaging methods are unsuccessful. This test may require anesthesia and there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In Retrograde Pyelogram a cystoscopy is performed. It is the method of examining bladder and urethra using cystoscope, which is a thin, narrow tube with a light and a camera on the end. Cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The contrast agent (dye) is injected directly into this opening and an x-ray is taken to locate the kidney stone.

CT (computed tomography) scan - This gives a 3-dimensional view of the urinary system and can be done with or without contrast dye. If any stones are found, a plain abdominal x-ray is also taken to determine their size, shape, and orientation. CT scan may have difficulty detecting small stones located near the bladder

Answered by deepa iyer , an ibibo Advisor, at 2:27 PM on March 31, 2008

when one gets less urine passage in a day...pain at left side of back bone...swelling of legs and face...frequent health upset....and also drowsiness;....joint pains...burning sensation while passing urine

Answered by sanjay , an ibibo Guru, at 10:48 AM on March 31, 2008

The diagnosis of kidney stones is suspected by the typical pattern of symptoms when other possible causes of the abdominal or flank pain are excluded. Imaging tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis. A helical CT scan without contrast material is the most common test to detect stones or obstruction within the urinary tract. Formerly, an intravenous pyelogram (IVP; an x-ray of the abdomen along with the administration of contrast dye into the bloodstream) was the test most commonly used to detect urinary tract stones, but this test has a greater risk of complications, takes longer, and involves higher radiation exposure than the non-contrasted helical CT scan. Helical CT scans have been shown to be a significantly more effective diagnostic tool than the IVP in the diagnosis of kidney or urinary tract stones.

In pregnant women or those who should avoid radiation exposure, an ultrasound examination may be done to help establish the diagnosis.

Answered by Meera , an ibibo Master, at 3:33 PM on March 30, 2008

kidney stones can be diagnosed by ultrasound or x-ray examination .sometimes rbcs in urine also suggest about kidney stones

Answered by rajesh goyl , an ibibo Advisor, at 1:47 PM on March 30, 2008

Diagnosis of renal stone disease involves a medical history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging tests. The physician determines if the patient has a history of kidney stones, documents past medical conditions, and evaluates present symptoms. Physical examination may be difficult if the patient is experiencing severe pain and is unable to remain still. Lightly tapping on the kidney region often worsens the pain. Fever may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires antibiotics.
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Laboratory tests include urinalysis to detect the presence of blood (hematuria) and bacteria (bacteriuria) in the urine. Other tests include blood tests for creatinine (to evaluate kidney function), BUN and electrolytes (to detect dehydration), calcium (to detect hyperparathyroidism), and a complete blood count (CBC; to detect infection).

Diagnostic steps for kidney stones include the following steps. Establish the presence or absence of kidney stones as soon as possible so that pain management can begin if necessary. (Use physical examination, imaging techniques.) If a kidney stone is present, determine whether the stone is obstructing the urinary tract. (Use imaging techniques.) Determine the substance forming the crystal so that appropriate treatment and preventive measures can be taken. (Urine and blood tests.) There is some question about the value of identifying the stone properties in people who have had only one attack. Some experts argue, however, that because of the high risk for recurrence, analyzing the stone from even a single attack may help prevent subsequent ones. Most physicians, though, delay detailed diagnostic evaluations until a stone recurs or grows in size. Determine any metabolic abnormalities in people with recurrent stones

Answered by Rekha , an ibibo Advisor, at 1:46 PM on March 30, 2008

well, To diagnose kidney stones you may have to do one or more of the following imaging tests:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan. This imaging test has become the standard of care for evaluating acute kidney stones. It's rapidly performed, can identify stones regardless of composition and doesn't require the use of contrast dye.
Abdominal X-ray. An abdominal X-ray can visualize most kidney stones and can help to judge changes in the size of a stone over time.
Ultrasound. Instead of X-rays, this diagnostic technique combines high-frequency radio waves and computer processing to view your internal organs. It's safe, painless and noninvasive, but it may miss small stones, especially if they're located in a ureter or your bladder.
Intravenous pyelography (excretory urogram). This study can be useful in determining the location of stones in the urinary system and can define the degree of blockage caused by a stone. A contrast dye is injected into a vein in your arm and a series of X-rays is taken as the dye moves through your kidneys, ureters and bladder. This study has largely been replaced by the CT scan but is still useful in limited circumstances.
If you're about to pass a stone, your doctor may ask you to urinate through a strainer so that the stone can be recovered and analyzed.

Answered by Uttam , an ibibo Master, at 9:27 AM on March 30, 2008

Clinical diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the location and severity of the pain.Imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis and a number of other tests can be undertaken to help establish both the possible cause and consequences of the stone.

Answered by Sudha , an ibibo Specialist, at 8:54 AM on March 30, 2008

the kidney stones are diagnosed based on the complaints of the patient... but investigations are necessary to know the exact location of the stone and it's size and to note the renal morphology... so the common investigation done to confirm the kidney stones is the ultrasound abdomen... a plain X-ray of abdomen and pelvis will do but ultrasound is desirable... also urine examination is done to rule out any infection...
ultrasound is the way the diagnosis is confirmed and it is this findings which determine the treatment....

Answered by satyaiitk , an ibibo Master, at 11:48 PM on March 29, 2008