Nephrolithiasis - Kidney Stone
Nephrolithiasis accounts for significant morbidity and expense and is increasing in prevalence in the U.S.; an estimated 7% of females and 11% of males are affected during their lifetimes (Ingimarsson, 2016). Initial testing is usually a point-of-care urinalysis, followed by urinalysis with microscopy and/or culture, CBC, and basic metabolic panel to evaluate electrolytes and kidney function. Imaging is used to confirm presence of a stone and to determine whether intervention might be required for removal. A stone analysis and a 24-hour urine evaluation can help identify the cause of stone formation, although these are not often performed in adults experiencing a first stone. The first kidney stone in a child prompts a more complete workup.
Last Update: October 2018
