What is this test?
This test is performed on a stone sample provided by the patient or removed surgically to determine the composition of the stone. Stones are concretion of materials that are formed in the body. This test helps in treatment and prevention of stone formation.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To determine the chemical composition of the stone
- To help in the proper management of the disease
- To help in the prevention of stones formation.
- What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
- Sharp pain in the groin and back
- Painful urination
- Foul-smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever and chills.
- What are the risk factors of kidney stones?
- Less intake of water
- Family history
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney disorders
- Abnormalities in kidney structure.
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. It is important to pass all the urine through the urine strainer, the stone may pass at any time. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history.
- What other tests might be ordered with chemical analysis of stone?
- CBC
- Blood and urine calcium
- Blood and urine uric acid
- Oxalate
- Phosphate
- Urinalysis
- What are drug-related stones?
Drug-related stones are associated with medicines such as Guaifenesin, Indinavir, Triamterene, Atazanavir, and sulfa medicnes.
Test results determine the composition of the stone. However, chemical analysis doesn’t provide the cause of stone formation. Common composition of stones are:
- Calcium oxalate
- Calcium phosphate
- Uric acid
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of calcium phosphate or oxalate stones:
- Inherited hypercalciuria
- Diet rich in calcium or oxalate
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Metabolic disorder
Causes of Uric acid stones:
- Gout
- Disorder of uric acid metabolism
- Rich animal protein diet
Causes of Struvite stones:
- Bacterial infection
- Female gender