How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for kidney stones may include the following:

• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)-a series of x-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein - to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
• Urinalysis-laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.
• Blood tests-laboratory examination of the blood to detect substances that might promote stone formation.
• Renal ultrasound-a non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidney producing sound waves which bounce off of the kidney, transmitting a picture of the organ on a video screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of the kidney, and to detect a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other obstruction in the kidney.