A kidney stone develops when certain chemicals in our kidneys form crystals and bond together. They range in size from a grain of sand all the way up to a golf ball, and range in shape from smooth and round to jagged and spiked. Smaller stones can be passed naturally. However, the formation of a large stone may require serious medical attention. There are mainly four types of kidney stones

1. Calcium oxalate crystals are the most common types and are also the most preventable.
2. Struvite stones are formed as a result of urinary tract infections
3. Cystine and Uric acid stones are the rare form of kidney stones. They are formed as a result of an inherited genetic defect.

How Are The Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of renal stone disease involves a medical history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and imaging tests. 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 . The doctor determines if the patient has a history of kidney stones and evaluates the present symptoms. Fever may indicate a urinary tract infection that requires antibiotics. Using the imaging techniques one can determine whether the stone is obstructing the urinary tract. This test also helps to determine the substance forming the crystal. This helps in deciding the appropriate treatment and preventive measures.

Types Of Imaging Tests

Some of the imaging tests that are used to diagnose kidney stones include the following:

1. Ultrasound- this test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of kidney stones. Ultrasound can detect a dilated upper urinary tract and kidney caused by a stone lodge in the ureter. It cannot detect small stones located outside the kidney. This is the preferred imaging method for kidney stone patients who are pregnant.

2. Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - is an x-ray procedure after injecting a dye into a vein. The dye flows through the veins and is excreted by the kidneys. If a kidney stone is blocking a ureter, the dye builds up in the affected kidney and is excreted more slowly.

3. Cystoscopy is performed to locate the opening from the ureter to the bladder. The dye or the contrast agent is injected directly into the opening and an x-ray is taken to locate the kidney stone. This procedure is known as retrograde pyelogram.

4. CT Scan test uses a scanner and a computer to create images of the urinary system. It is performed quickly but may have difficulty detecting small stones located near the bladder.