Healthcare professionals use your medical history, physical examination, and laboratory or imaging tests to detect if you have kidney stones.
What does each test involve?
Laboratory tests:
• Urine test: Through a urine test, your urinary pH can be determined, and it can be checked if your range is outside the appropriate limits (5.5-6.2), thus indicating the possibility of lithiasis. Additionally, the same test can analyze if the urine contains minerals that contribute to kidney stone formation.
• Blood test: This test can detect if you have high levels of minerals in your blood that can cause kidney stones.
Imaging tests:
• Abdominal X-ray: This is an image created of the abdomen using very low levels of radiation. The X-ray can show the number and placement of the stones, i.e., whether they are in the kidney or in the urinary tract. It is important to note that not all stones are visible with this technique, either because they are smaller than 2mm, because their composition is uric acid, or due to intestinal gas or bone interposition, among other reasons.
• Abdominal ultrasound: This is one of the most commonly used techniques, as it detects all types of stones (including uric acid stones) and can detect if there is an obstruction in the urinary tract. However, it only detects stones larger than 4mm.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: This is a test that uses special X-ray equipment to obtain images of the body from different angles. It may be used with a contrast liquid if it is believed that there may be another pathology other than urinary lithiasis. The CT scan takes only 5 minutes, shows the size and location of kidney stones. It allows doctors to determine if the stone is blocking the urinary tract and various problems it may have caused.
How to prevent kidney stones?
1. Drink a minimum of 2-3 liters of fluid daily (preferably water)
2. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. If you need help, you can contact our nutritionist.
3. Maintain your urinary pH at appropriate levels (5.5-6.2). You can modify your pH with Lit-Control food supplements and their pH Meter, which will allow you to maintain proper monitoring!
4. Maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy weight.
Sources:
https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/asistencia/enfermedades/litiasis-renal/diagnostico
