Types of X-rays used in the detection of kidney stones
- Kidney-Ureter-Bladder (KUB)– It refers to a basic X-ray which shows the urinary tract. It is helpful for detecting large, dense stones. But it can somehow miss the smaller kidney stones.
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) – It refers to a special type of X-ray in which contrast dye is injected in order to accentuate the urinary tract for providing a more detailed view.
What does an X-ray show?
An X-ray is helpful in detecting the stones which are present in your kidney.- Size as well as location – An X-ray helps the doctors to determine the size of the kidney stone and also to detect the exact location where the stone is present.
- Density of the stone – Stones tend to appear whitish because of their high density. The white colour contrasts with the grey soft tissues and also the black air.
- Stones are missed: the stones which are smaller, that is, less than 3mm and even those which are of less density, specifically made of uric acid, might not be able to show up in an X-ray.
- X-ray vs CT scan: Generally superior for sensitivity, CT scans reveal most of the stones and also the small ones without any contrast.
- X-ray vs Ultrasound: Ultrasounds are considered good for the detection of stones, thereby monitoring them without any radiation. But ultrasounds can struggle with hindrances.
- You are required to lie on a stand or a table. The X-ray machine then takes the images of your abdomen.
- You will then be asked to hold your breath in order to get clear views and pictures. You may be asked to change positions.
- An X-ray is used to diagnose the pain in your abdomen from a suspected kidney stone.
- It helps in checking the blockages as well as obstructions.
- Moreover, it is used to monitor the stones prior to the treatments and also subsequent to the treatments, such as lithotripsy.