Severe pain in the side or back can be difficult to ignore. For some people, the cause may be a kidney stone. For others, similar discomfort may be related to another urinary or abdominal condition.
Blood in the urine can be equally concerning. Because the symptoms of urinary conditions can overlap, accurate investigation matters.
What is CT urography?
CT urography is a specialised CT examination designed to provide detailed images of the urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Using cross-sectional imaging, healthcare professionals can examine these structures in much greater detail than would be possible from symptoms alone.
Rapid Diagnostics lists CT urography for kidney and urinary-tract evaluation among its imaging capabilities.
What about kidney stones?
Kidney stones can vary significantly in size. Some may pass through the urinary system without causing major problems. Others can become lodged and cause severe pain.
Pain associated with kidney stones is often felt in the side or back and may move towards the lower abdomen or groin. Nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine can sometimes occur.
Imaging helps a clinician understand what is happening rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Blood in the urine should always be assessed
Blood in the urine may be visible, or it may only be detected through laboratory testing.
There can be several possible explanations, and some require prompt evaluation. It should never be ignored or self-diagnosed.
A healthcare professional will decide which investigations are appropriate, which may include laboratory testing, imaging or both.
Why detailed imaging helps
Detailed imaging of the urinary tract can help a clinician assess the structures involved and plan appropriate next steps.
Where a procedure is being considered, imaging can also provide the surgical team with information about individual anatomy before treatment begins.
Preparation
CT urography often involves a contrast agent and may require a period of fasting. Requirements vary by examination.
Tell the team in advance about allergies, kidney problems or if you may be pregnant. Rapid Diagnostics provides preparation instructions specific to your examination when your appointment is booked.
When to seek assessment
Persistent or severe side pain, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine or recurring urinary symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Rapid Diagnostics provides CT imaging including dedicated urological studies.
Rapid Diagnostics guidance: Urinary symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional, who will determine which investigations are appropriate.
Explore our CT services, including dedicated urological imaging.
