Which diagnostic method is commonly used to visualize kidney stones?

The commonly used diagnostic method to visualize kidney stones is a kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) film. This type of X-ray specifically focuses on the abdominal area, allowing healthcare professionals to see the outlines of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. In many cases, KUB films can detect certain types of kidney stones, particularly those that are calcified, which appear radiopaque on the imaging.

KUB films are a straightforward, efficient initial imaging tool and are often used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures to confirm the presence of kidney stones. While this method is valuable, it has some limitations, particularly in visualizing non-calcified stones or stones in certain anatomical positions.

In contrast, renal ultrasound can also detect kidney stones but is more limited in its ability to visualize them compared to KUB or CT scans. Blood tests are not designed to visualize kidney stones; they can indicate metabolic issues or dehydration that may contribute to stone formation, but they won't show the stones directly. Computed tomography is a highly effective method for detecting kidney stones due to its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images, but in the context of this question, KUB films are a standard initial diagnostic approach.