Kidney Stone Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis of the kidney stone depends upon the severity of the disease and the location of the stone in the kidney. Many times the symptoms remain undetected until there are acute symptoms occur. Generally, CT scans, x-ray, ultrasounds and other blood test are performed to diagnose the kidney infection. Following are the some diagnosis tests and scans that are mostly used in kidney stone diagnosis:
The CT scan is regarded as a standard evaluating imaging test for acute kidney stone. Its noteworthy benefit is that it doesn't need any specific type of dye to be injected for detecting the kidney stones. CT scan is capable to detect almost all types of kidney stones except some specific stones that are made of drug remains in urine. When the scan detects any type of stone in kidney, a single standard x-ray is performed to determine the exact shape and size of the stone and the space required for the surgery also. CT scan can only be harmful when the patient suffers from excess exposure to radiation. This imaging system is also avoided for its high price.
The traditional abdominal x-rays are helpful in detecting the kidney stone and its size and location. A specific type of dye needs to be injected into the bloodstream which is emitted by the kidney. This dye helps to easily detect the kidney stones. These stones are can also be diagnosed by using the retrograde pyelogram in which the urologist injects the dye into the bladder' ureteral opening. It is found that about 10% of kidney stones are not detected due to the low level of the calcium.
X-rays can be replaced by the high-frequency radio waves with the help of an advanced computer technique, known as ultrasound. It provides the images of internal organs from the abdomen. However, this system is harmless and has no side effects, but the small some stones located in bladder may be missed in some cases. This system provides specific details of hydronephrosis. Ultrasound technique is very helpful while detecting the kidney stones during pregnancy when the CT scans and x-rays are not useful.
This technique is used to determine the exact area occupied in the urinary system by the kidney stones. It also defines the level of the blockage made by the kidney stones. While performing this technique, a contrast dye needs to be injected into the bloodstream through veins that travels through the bladder and kidney. It makes easy to detect the kidney stones by abdomen x-rays are taken.
There are some other tests for diagnosing kidney stones. These tests include microscopic study for red blood cells, proteins and bacteria and the full blood count test that determines the count of white blood cells.
