Laboratory Tests and Equipment for Kidney Stones Diagnosis

• X-Rays reveal a lot about what is going on inside your body that may be hard to determine otherwise. For kidney stones diagnosis, a doctor can use an x-ray to view the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to locate any cystine crystal formations or kidney stones. This view will also provide information on the size and location of the stone.
   
• Computed Tomography Scans is growing in use because its advanced abilities can quickly and more closely determine whether or not a kidney stone exists through very clear images that can detect even the smallest stones. This procedure can also minimize the need for additional diagnostic tests.
   
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may help identify possible urinary tract blockages. However, MRI does not yet have the capability to identify tiny stones or those that are not causing any blockages. An important benefit is that no radiation is involved.
   
• Ultrasound can pinpoint what other devices cannot, including translucent uric acid stones and any urinary tract blockages, but it cannot locate tiny stones. It does work well as a first step in the diagnostic process.
  
  
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• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is a more invasive, yet cost-effective, imaging technique for kidney stones diagnosis. It is employed if stones do not appear through the use of other imaging devices but the pain experienced clearly seems to indicate the presence of stone. The procedure includes injecting dye into the body and then taking x-rays of where the dye enters the kidneys and goes through the urinary system. If a blockage has occurred, the dye will not move as quickly through the system or will be stopped at some point on the x-ray. This test should not be used on anyone where kidney failure is suspected due to a possible allergic reaction.

Laboratory Tests for Kidney Stones Diagnosis

• Urine Tests measure the urine’s acidity, identify any red or white blood cells that are present, and pinpoint any signs of infection, crystal growth or elevated mineral or element levels that could indicate possible kidney stone formation. To take a urine test, you will be given a kit that will help collect a urine sample and any possible stone fragments that you pass. In order to obtain the most accurate test possible, it is important to follow some specific instructions. Make sure that the area has been cleaned properly. Begin urination before collecting a sample in mid-stream. Finish urinating in the toilet. Carefully put the lid on the collection cup to avoid any contamination of the specimen sample. It may be necessary to conduct these urine samples over a twenty-four hour period. Do not alter eating and drinking habits during this test process. If the first test is not conclusive, you may be asked to do it again.

• Blood Tests look for any excess chemical amounts, such as nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and uric acid, which will indicate possible stone formation. Blood tests are especially used for those who may have calcium oxalate stones. After a kidney stone attack, this type of kidney stones diagnosis is made up to six weeks later to measure chemical levels.
   
• Microscopic Examinations may be conducted on kidney stone samples that have been retrieved from the urine. Looking at these stones under a microscope opens up a whole new world of understanding about their composition and how they form. For example, calcium oxalate crystals are identified by their octagonal structure while calcium phosphate crystals have an irregular shape. Other types of stones have specific structures that also make them fairly easy to identify.
   
• Parathyroid Tests measure parathyroid hormone levels if the doctor feels that hyperparathyroidism may be part of the problem.
   
• Tests for Infection may be needed if there is an indication of a high white blood cell count. Caution is needed because white blood cells also increase due to extreme stress and may not be the sign of a kidney stone.

Click here to read another article about kidney stones diagnosis that includes information on what a doctor does when you consult with him or her about your symptoms, pain, and medical history.