Biochemistry
STONE1

Preferred Sample Type

Renal Calculi (Stones)

Renal Calculi (Stones) STONE1

Specimen Volume

Send complete stone in suitable container

Specimen Transport

First class post, 4 ºC or room temperature

Sample Preparation

Usual

Turnaround Time

10 working days (2 weeks)

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Usual

Sample Stability

Calculi are stored between 2 and 8 °C prior to analysis

General Information

Renal stones often develop in response to elevated levels of urinary solutes such as calcium, uric acid, oxalate and sodium, as well as decreased levels of stone inhibitors such as citrate and magnesium. Low urinary volume and abnormally low or high urinary pH also contribute to the formation of renal stones. The different types of renal stones are listed below. Most stones are a mixture of different crystal types.

  • Calcium oxalate (most common):
    • Calcium oxalate monohydrate (whewellite)
    • Calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite)
  • Calcium phosphate:
    • Calcium mono-hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (brushite)
    • Carbonate apatite
  • Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate)
  • Urate
  • Cysteine

Renal calculi and stones from other sources (e.g. gallstones, salivary stones) are analysed by quantitative fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results are reported as weight of stone, with a description and/or % composition, as well as site location.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

From 12 May 2025, specimens will be analysed in-house at QEHB (previously sent away to BCPS).

Specifications

  • EQA Status: WEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Related Tests

Calcium (Urine) Serum Uric Acid (Urate)

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Tuesday, 08 July 2025

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Copyright UHB Pathology 2025

Protection of Personal Information – Pathology Laboratories Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

The laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital form part of the services provided by University Hospitals Birmingham and are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. Laboratories are currently transitioning across to ISO 15189:2022 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/ 

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • United Kingdom Health Security Agency laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8213

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: https://qehbpathology.uk/test-database 

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962/ 0121 424 1235