Description
Why It’s Done:
• To determine the type of kidney stone to help understand the cause of its formation.
• To identify the most appropriate treatment or medication for preventing future stones.
• To evaluate and manage conditions like hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine), gout, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or cystinuria (a genetic disorder leading to cystine stones).
• To monitor recurrent kidney stones and tailor dietary or medical interventions.
Preparation:
• Sample Collection:
o Stones can be collected during spontaneous passage or during a medical procedure (e.g., lithotripsy or ureteroscopy).
o If the stone is passed naturally, it should be caught and saved in a clean container for analysis.
• Medications:
o Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some medications may affect the composition of the stones.
• Hydration:
o Stay hydrated to help with stone passage if you are experiencing symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend a specific fluid intake.
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