Diagnosis

Diagnosing bladder stones may involve:

• A physical exam. Your doctor will likely feel your lower abdomen to see if your bladder is enlarged (distended) or may perform a rectal exam to determine whether your prostate is enlarged. You'll also discuss any urinary signs or symptoms that you're having.
• A urine test. A sample of your urine may be collected and examined for microscopic amounts of blood, bacteria and crystallized minerals. A urine test also looks for a urinary tract infection, which can cause or be the result of bladder stones.
• CT scan. CT uses X-rays and computers to quickly scan and provide clear images of the inside of your body. CT can detect even very small stones. It's one of the most-sensitive tests for identifying all types of bladder stones.
• Ultrasound. This test bounces sound waves off organs and other structures in your body to create images that help detect bladder stones.
• X-ray. An X-ray of your kidneys, ureters and bladder helps your doctor determine whether you have bladder stones. Some types of stones can't be seen on conventional X-rays, however.