CT scan is no more accurate than ultrasound to detect kidney stones, study finds

To diagnose painful kidney stones in hospital emergency rooms, CT scans are no better than less-often-used ultrasound exams, according to a clinical study conducted at 15 medical centers. "Ultrasound is the right place to start," researchers said. "Radiation exposure is avoided, without any increase in any category of adverse events, and with no increase in cost."