Lloyd's sign is used to assess for which type of infection?

Lloyd's sign is an important clinical indicator used specifically to assess for upper urinary tract infections. When a healthcare provider percusses the costovertebral angle (the area where the lower ribs meet the spine), a positive Lloyd’s sign occurs if the patient experiences pain or tenderness in that area. This finding suggests that there may be inflammation or infection affecting the kidneys or the surrounding structures, typical of an upper urinary tract infection, such as pyelonephritis.

In contrast, lower urinary tract infections primarily involve the bladder and urethra, and the symptoms and signs are different, often including dysuria, urgency, and frequency without the involvement of the kidneys that Lloyd’s sign indicates. Prostatic infections, while serious, are assessed through different methods and signs, and bladder infections would also not elicit a positive Lloyd's sign, as the focus is more on the lower urinary tract rather than the upper.