Diagnosis
Diagnostic workup varies by the stone type, but in general:
- Clinical history and physical examination can be sufficient in some cases.
- Imaging studies are often needed.
- Some stone types (mainly those with substantial calcium content) can be detected on X-ray and CT scan.
- Many stone types can be detected by ultrasound.
- Factors contributing to stone formation (as in #Etiology) are often tested:
- Laboratory testing can give levels of relevant substances in blood or urine.
- Some stones can be directly recovered (at surgery, or when they leave the body spontaneously) and sent to a laboratory for analysis of content.
Read more about this topic: Calculus (medicine)