Sometimes stones do not cause symptoms (silent) and are found during a general health exam. Such stones usually pass unnoticed and may not need treatment. More commonly people with kidney stones experience back pain or blood in their urine and schedule a visit with their physician who will then schedule an x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan to determine the location and size of the kidney stone(s).

Results from these tests help determine the appropriate stone treatment. It is important that if the stone passes, it is sent to a laboratory for tests as this will allow for analysis and development of a long-term treatment and prevention program.