Final answer:
A CT scan is the best diagnostic test for a patient experiencing flank pain radiating to the groin along with hematuria, indicating the possibility of kidney stones. Urine culture is also relevant to rule out a urinary tract infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Best Test for Patient with Flank Pain and Hematuria
The symptoms described by the patient, specifically flank pain radiating to the groin accompanied by hematuria, suggest the possibility of renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones. Given these symptoms, the best diagnostic procedure is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen, which is considered the gold-standard test for the detection of kidney stones. The CT scan offers detailed images and can identify even small stones that may not appear on traditional X-rays. Additionally, a urine culture may be used to exclude a urinary tract infection, a condition that can sometimes present with similar symptoms or occur secondary to the presence of a stone.
Differential diagnosis should also consider conditions such as appendicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, but these are often associated with additional symptoms distinct from those caused by kidney stones. If renal calculi are confirmed, treatment may vary depending on the size and location of the stones, ranging from pain management and hydration to facilitate passage of the stone to more invasive procedures if the stones are too large to pass naturally.