Blood Tests

Blood testing is performed for kidney stone evaluations. Samples of blood are collected and used to evaluate the basic function and condition of the kidneys and to rule out the possibility that other diseases are causing the symptoms.

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Preparing for a blood test usually requires abstaining from food and all beverages, with the exception of water, for nine to 12 hours prior to the blood draw. Check with your healthcare provider for detailed instructions. During the procedure, blood samples are drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand, using a thin, hollow needle.

Blood tests performed to diagnose and treat kidney stones include complete blood count (CBC) and creatinine levels. The CBC is a screening test used to diagnose many different diseases including those affecting fluid volume, anemia, blood loss, acute or chronic infection, allergies, and problems with clotting. The CBC includes evaluating the number of red and white blood cells, the total amount of hemoglobin, the fraction of blood consisting of red blood cells, and the size of the red blood cells, also known as mean corpuscular volume (MCV). For people who are scheduled to undergo an imaging technique that involves a contrast medium (material injected into the body to help distinguish internal structures), blood samples will be analyzed for creatinine levels to ensure that the kidneys are functioning normally and capable of filtering the contrast medium into the urine. If removal of the kidney stones involves a surgical procedure, the patient may need additional blood testing, depending on their medical condition.