A GP can usually diagnose kidney stones from symptoms and medical history.
Tests for kidney stones
You may need to have tests, including:
- tests to check your pee for infections and pieces of stones
- blood tests to check how your kidneys are working
- blood tests to check for substances that cause kidney stones, for example calcium
- an examination of any stones that you pass in your pee
Your GP may give you equipment to collect a kidney stone at home. They can use the results of the test to decide what treatment is best for you.
If you have severe pain
If you have severe pain that could be caused by kidney stones, your GP may refer you to hospital for a scan.
You may have a:
- CT scan - usually for adults
- ultrasound scan - usually if you are pregnant or under age 16
- low-dose, non-contrast CT scan - for children and young people if an ultrasound scan does not find anything
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
