Diagnosing Kidney Stones

Question 1

What is a free flow rate?

Answer 1

• Assesses how well the urinary tract functions
• Measures the speed at which urine flows
• Measures how fast urine flows, how much flows out and how long it takes to flow

Question 2

What do the results of a free flow rate mean?

Answer 2

• The average results are based on your age and gender
• Urine flows typically run from 10-20 ml per second
• A slow rate may indicate that there is an obstruction at the bladder neck or urethra, an enlarged prostate or a weak bladder
• A fast rate may indicate that there are weak muscles around the urethra

Question 3

What is a cystometry test?

Answer 3

• Assesses the volume of urine in the bladder
• Assesses how much the bladder can hold
• A small tube is inserted into the urethra to the bladder and it measures the pressure in the bladder and an additional tube measures the pressure outside the bladder
• The bladder is filled with a sterile liquid that can be viewed on an x-ray
• Whilst urinating sensors on the tubes measure changes in pressure

Question 4

How can kidney stones be detected by these tests?

Answer 4

• The urine tests can show whether the urine contains high levels of minerals that form kidney stones
• If the results of a urine test show that there is higher levels of glucose or calcium present it can indicates that there are kidney stones present

Question 5

What is ADH?

Answer 5

• It is a anti-diuretic hormone which prevents dehydration and decreases water loss
• High levels of ADH will cause th body to produce less urine as they are trying to retain water in the body

Question 6

What do high levels of uric acid indicate?

Answer 6

• Having high levels of uric acid can cause crystals of uric acid to form and they can form kidney stones in the kidneys

Question 7

What do high levels of calcium indicate?

Answer 7

• High levels of calcium can cause crystals of calcium to form in the kidneys and over time these crystals can further form kidney stones