Renal stone analysis (calculi)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Metabolic |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Kidney stones are solid accretions of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys or ureters. These are subsequently expelled in the urine stream, leading to ureteric obstruction and distension. Stones form around a central nidus from which a crystalline structure expands and are typically derived of calcium salts (of which calcium oxalate predominates). Other examples of calculi include the (urea-splitting) bacterially-derived struvite (Mg, NH4 and PO4), uric acid and cystine. |
| Clinical Indications |
All renal calculi should be analysed Symptoms of nephrolithiases include: renal colic, (acute and spasmodic flank pain) nausea, UTI, haematuria and vomiting |
| Reference range | We provide fully quantitative reporting of all major stone components. Results are reported as weight of stone, description and percentage composition. |
| Sample & container required | Renal stone |
| Sample volume | Ideally 10 mg |
| Sample collection | Sterile universal |
| Transport storage | Stable at ambient temperature, send by first class post. |
| Turnaround time | 2 weeks |