Description
The purpose of a kidney stone analysis is to determine the chemical composition of a kidney stone, which helps healthcare providers understand why the stone formed and guide treatment options to prevent future stones from developing, as knowing the stone type is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Key points about kidney stone analysis:
Identifies stone type:
- By analyzing the stone's chemical makeup, doctors can identify if it's made of calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, cystine, or another substance.
Informs treatment plan:
- Different types of kidney stones require different treatment approaches, so knowing the stone composition is vital for choosing the best management strategy.
Helps prevent recurrence:
- Understanding the cause of stone formation based on the analysis can help identify modifiable risk factors and implement preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future stones.
Use a kidney stone strainer to filter your urine and collect any stones to bring in for analysis.
