Ultrasounds for Kidney Stone Detection
April 8, 2025
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According to the CDC, 1 in 7 adults in the U.S. are likely to have some form of chronic kidney disease, though they may not realize it if the cases are mild. There are various possible causes for this condition, which reflects related kidney damage caused by the underlying health issue. This kidney damage has five possible stages, with the classification based on kidney damage and functionality. Staging is an important component of the medical treatment plan, with next-steps taking into account the severity of the disease.
This article will cover the basics of chronic kidney disease, focusing on patients in stage 3 and the common causes of this condition. It will also discuss typical diagnosis and treatment methods, along with what to expect during this process.
The kidneys’ role in the body is to produce erythropoietin (a hormone) to stimulate red blood cell production, maintain blood pressure, regulate the balance of certain minerals and remove excess water and waste products. When kidneys become damaged, these functions become less effective, which can lead to various health problems and imbalances.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function or damage over a period of at least three months. The extent of kidney damage depends on factors such as how long the patient has had CKD and the underlying condition that caused it. There is no single cause for CKD, but multiple conditions can lead to it. The causes will be discussed in the next section.
CKD is classified into five possible stages. Here is a brief overview of what each stage means:
The staging of chronic kidney disease depends on specific parameters from blood and urine tests, as well as the extent of damage the kidneys have sustained. More details on these diagnostic methods will be discussed later in this article. As for stage 3 specifically, it’s important to remember that while there may be some kidney damage, there is still significant kidney function. With proper medical treatment, much can be done to slow further damage.
Many patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease don’t display any symptoms. Others, however, do experience some, as this tends to be the stage where CKD causes more health issues. Some possible symptoms include:
It’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can have causes unrelated to chronic kidney disease. Their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate CKD, so patients should discuss them with their doctor to determine the next steps and consider appropriate testing.
CKD tends to be caused when an underlying disease or condition affects kidney function. There are multiple possibilities for this, but here are some more common causes:
There are several methods to help doctors diagnose chronic kidney disease and determine its stage. Here are the most common tests.
There are two primary methods used to stage CKD. The first test is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Glomeruli are tiny filters within the kidneys that help remove toxins from the body. When they don’t function properly, as in chronic kidney disease, more toxins build up in the bloodstream, which is why blood levels are tested. It’s important to note that low-functioning glomeruli can be caused by factors other than CKD. Additionally, a normal eGFR does not always rule out kidney disease, as some levels of kidney damage may not be detected. For this reason, eGFR is typically repeated over time, and other evaluation methods are used alongside it.
Another test used to help diagnose CKD is a urine analysis that looks for a protein called albumin. This protein is typically found in the blood, not the urine, and plays a role in muscle repair, muscle building and fighting infection. If albumin is detected in the urine, it may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly, allowing this protein to leak through the glomeruli filters. While the presence of albumin in the urine can suggest chronic kidney disease, it’s important to note that other factors such as dehydration, infection, hypertension and diabetes can also cause this result.
Because staging is partially dependent on assessing kidney damage, medical imaging is a valuable tool for CKD diagnosis. Here are the most common imaging types used to evaluate kidney health:
This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the patient’s kidney to assess it for damage in a laboratory. It may be performed as a needle biopsy, where an ultrasound is used to guide the doctor as they insert the needle through the skin and into the kidney, with numbing and relaxation medications to make the patient more comfortable. In some cases, a laparoscopic biopsy may be needed, where the doctor surgically removes a tiny tissue sample using a thin, lighted tube with a camera. This procedure is performed under anesthesia.
Kidney ultrasound
Stage 3 kidney disease means the patient has kidney damage, but the kidneys still function well enough that a kidney transplant or dialysis—medical treatments used to remove excess fluid and waste from the blood—are not yet needed.
Complications can begin in stage 3 CKD, but many patients do not experience them. Some complications that may occur include:
Fortunately, many patients in stage 3 do not experience these conditions. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations, such as possibly having regular screenings, to monitor for any changes.
Much of the treatment for stage 3 CKD depends on the condition that caused it in the first place. Often, treating this condition can help reduce further damage to the kidneys. Specific treatment plans will vary depending on the patient’s medical history and their provider’s recommendations. Common treatments include:
Turnaround times for imaging results can vary widely depending on the facility and your doctor’s availability. Often, patients wait a week or more and receive their results during a follow-up appointment. With PocketHealth, you don’t have to wait as long—your results are securely accessible as soon as the report is available, allowing you to review them often before your follow-up visit.
As for who interprets your results, a radiologist—an expert in interpreting medical images—will carefully review your kidney scans and provide a detailed report of any findings. This report is then sent to your referring doctor, who, with a deeper understanding of your medical history, can offer additional insights and recommendations based on the results. In the case of biopsies or blood and urine tests, the laboratory that studies these cells should send your results to your referring provider.
For patients trying to decipher their imaging reports, it’s common to find medical terminology somewhat confusing, but Report Reader helps you to better understand your report by offering clear, straightforward definitions for medical terms—simply tap or click on any underlined words to reveal their meaning. This can make it easier for patients to understand imaging results and better prepare for their follow-up appointments.
Here are some common questions regarding chronic kidney disease.
While chronic kidney disease can’t be cured, CKD progression can often be slowed through a combination of possible medications, lifestyle and diet changes and treating the underlying cause of the kidney damage. Stage 3 is an especially important time to take steps to reduce progression, as this tends to be when kidneys start to experience more problems. Patients should ask their doctor for recommendations.
While kidney damage cannot be reversed, its progression can often be slowed with medical intervention and lifestyle changes. For patients who may progress to the advanced stages of the disease, treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, for many patients, following their doctor’s treatment guidelines can significantly delay or even prevent progression.
Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease, accounting for up to 44% of new CKD cases. It occurs when the body has high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or the ineffective use of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels). Diabetes has multiple health effects, including damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to CKD. Managing diabetes through treatment can often help slow the progression of kidney disease.
CKD prevention is not always possible, as it depends on the underlying disease or condition causing the kidney damage. However, for many patients, significant preventative measures can be taken, such as lifestyle changes or medical management of other health issues. It may be a good idea to discuss these preventive strategies with your healthcare provider to see which specific recommendations may apply.
PocketHealth makes it simple to keep track of your kidney scans. All of your vital imaging is in one secure location and can be accessed online anytime. Reports can also be easily shared with other physicians in your care team, if needed. Additionally, it makes it easy to track health changes over time, such as with repeat imaging like ultrasounds or MRIs. When used in conjunction with your medical provider’s professional advice, it is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding your imaging results and your health.
PocketHealth MyCare Navigator gives personalized insights into your health and identifies any recommended follow-up steps. This feature can also generate individualized questions to ask your doctor based on the findings in your report, ensuring you make the most of your consultation. A CKD diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but working closely with your providers can give you the best chance of managing your condition and protecting your kidney health.
