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Kidney Stone Diagnosis Methods

Kidney stone detection involves blood tests, urine analysis, imaging, and stone examination. Early diagnosis ensures effective management and reduces recurrence risk.

  • 10 Feb 2025
  • 5 min read
  • 23 views

How is Kidney Stone detected?                         

Introduction            

Around 10% of people will experience a kidney stone at some point. Kidney stones are solid deposits that form in the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract. These can cause excruciating pain and may lead to severe complications, such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage if left untreated. Recurrence risk is also high. Hence, early detection and management of kidney stones is critical. Here, you can learn how doctors perform kidney stone diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stone     

To detect kidney stones, your healthcare provider may employ various diagnostic tests and procedures, including:

  • Blood Testing

Blood tests can provide valuable insights into your kidney stone condition. They may reveal elevated levels of calcium or uric acid in your blood, which can indicate kidney stones. These tests also help in monitoring your kidney's health and may prompt your doctor to investigate other potential medical conditions.

  • Urine Testing

A 24-hour urine collection test is often used to assess kidney stone risk factors. This test can reveal if you're excreting too many stone-forming minerals or too few stone-preventing substances in your urine.

  • Imaging

Various imaging tests can visualise kidney stones within your urinary tract. High-speed or dual-energy computerised tomography (CT) scans are particularly effective and can detect even tiny stones. Simple abdominal X-rays are used less frequently due to their limited ability to detect small kidney stones.

  • Analysis of Passed Stones

In some cases, your healthcare provider may ask you to urinate through a strainer to collect any stones that you pass. These stones can be sent to a lab for analysis, revealing their composition. This information is vital in determining the cause of your kidney stones and developing a personalised plan to prevent future occurrences.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of kidney stones involves a series of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as blood and urine testing, imaging, and stone analysis. These tests not only confirm the presence of kidney stones but also provide valuable information to guide treatment and preventive measures. It is essential to seek a timely diagnosis and consult your healthcare provider. Ensuring that you have appropriate health insurance coverage is also advisable to manage potential treatment costs related to kidney stone diagnosis and treatment.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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