kidney stone screening test preparation

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like deposit that forms in one or both kidneys. It can cause severe pain when it moves or gets stuck. Screening tests help find stones early or check if you have one.

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common. About 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Kidney stones affect people of all ages, but they are more common in men than in women. White people are also at higher risk than other ethnic groups. You are more likely to get a stone if you have a family history, are obese, or do not drink enough water.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe, sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
• Pain that comes in waves and changes intensity
• Pain when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urge to urinate

Symptoms in children

• Abdominal pain that is hard for them to describe
• Blood in the urine (visible or found on a test)
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Irritability or crying during urination

Symptoms in older adults

• Vague abdominal or back pain that may be mistaken for other conditions
• Confusion or agitation, especially if infection is present
• Fever without clear cause
• Changes in urination, such as urgency or difficulty starting

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, leading to concentrated urine
• Diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions like gout, repeated urinary tract infections, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Family history of kidney stones
• Some medications (but not specific names)

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, rhubarb, nuts) without enough calcium
• Having only one kidney or a kidney that is shaped differently
• Taking high doses of vitamin C supplements
• Living in a hot, dry climate where you may lose more water through sweat

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe pain in your back or side
• If you have pain along with fever and chills
• If you cannot pass urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to discuss prevention
• If you notice blood in your urine that is not painful
• For a screening test if you are at high risk (for example, family history or recurrent infections)

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose kidney stones by reviewing your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering tests. The most common screening tests are imaging scans (like a CT scan or ultrasound) and urine and blood tests.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) to check for blood, infection, or stone-forming substances
• Blood test to measure kidney function and check for high calcium or uric acid levels
• CT scan (computed tomography) – a detailed X-ray that can find even small stones
• Ultrasound – a painless scan using sound waves to see stones without radiation
• X-ray of the abdomen – can spot some stones but may miss small or certain types

What to expect at your appointment

For a screening test, you may need to provide a urine sample first. For imaging tests like CT or ultrasound, you might be asked to drink water to fill your bladder. You do not usually need any special preparation, but sometimes you may need to avoid eating for a few hours before a CT scan. The tests are painless, though having a full bladder can be uncomfortable. Results are usually available within a few days.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Many small stones pass on their own with home care. Larger stones or stones that cause problems may require medical procedures.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (enough to produce clear or light-colored urine) – aim for at least 2 litres a day
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow package instructions)
• Use a hot pack or warm bath to ease discomfort
• Move around as you are able – gentle walking can help a stone move along

Medical treatments

If a stone does not pass on its own, doctors may use treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break the stone into small pieces), a scope to remove or break the stone, or a tube (stent) to help it pass. These are done in a hospital and you will receive pain relief or anesthesia.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for very large stones, stones that block urine flow, or when other treatments have not worked. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

Living with this condition

After you have had a kidney stone, your doctor may recommend changes to your diet and fluid intake to prevent new stones. You might need to take medication (prescribed by your doctor) for certain types of stones.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day – this is the most important step to prevent stones
• Limit foods high in salt, especially processed meats and salty snacks
• Eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or leafy greens – do not avoid calcium without medical advice

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with moderate calcium and low salt is recommended. Exercise is safe and can help maintain a healthy weight, which may reduce stone risk. If you have a history of stones, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for a personalised plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney stones can be stressful and painful. The fear of another stone can cause anxiety. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you feel overwhelmed. Support from family, friends, or a counselor can help.

Prevention

Yes, for many people kidney stones can be prevented by drinking enough fluids, eating a balanced diet low in salt and animal protein, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have had a stone, your doctor can help you find the cause and make a prevention plan.

Screening programmes

Screening for kidney stones is not routine for everyone. It may be recommended if you have symptoms, a family history of stones, or certain medical conditions that increase your risk. Talk to your doctor about whether screening is right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block the flow of urine, leading to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and damage
• Severe infection of the kidney (pyelonephritis) that can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Chronic kidney disease if stones keep coming back or cause long-term blockage

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with kidney stones is excellent. With proper treatment and prevention, most stones can be managed, and you can return to your normal activities. Even if you have had a stone, simple lifestyle changes can greatly lower the chance of getting another one.

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