Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Most patients with renal stones have a history of recurrent stone formation. Biochemical analysis of blood and urine is performed in order to identify the cause of stone formation, so patients may undergo guided treatment.
Minimum volume paediatric:
Refer to individual test on the website
Minimum volume adult:
Refer to individual test on the website
Special requirements:
Samples should be collected at least 6 weeks after surgery or lithotripsy to avoid contamination of the urine.
Other info :
Baseline biochemistry for first-stone investigation:
| Sample | Tests | Specimen container |
| Blood | Urea and creatinine Calcium and albumin Sodium and potassium Bicarbonate Uric acidCRP | SST (gold top) serum sample |
| Urine(random sample) | Dipstick for:- Red and white cells- Nitrite- pH | Universal container – performed on the ward |
| Calcium/creatinine ratioCystine/creatinine ratio | Universal container | |
| Urine microscopy and culture | Universal container |
– Screen for recurrent stones formers:
| Sample | Tests | Specimen container |
| Blood | Urea and creatinine Sodium and potassium Calcium and albumin Uric acid Phosphate Bicarbonate PTH (if hypercalcaemia is present)Vitamin D (if hypercalcaemia is present) | SST (gold top) serum sample EDTA (purple top) plasmaSST (gold top) serum sample
|
| Urine Adult: 24 hours collection Children: random sample | Volume Calcium OxalateCitrate Cystine Creatinine Sodium | Plain container |
| Urine (random sample) | Dipstick for: – pH | Universal container – performed on the ward |
| Microbiology | Universal container |