Simple tests to determine urinary risk factors and calcium oxalate crystallization in the outpatient clinic

J Urol. 1991 Jul;146(1):108-12. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)37726-1.

Abstract

We developed 2 simple and rapid tests for measurement of constituent concentrations and the stone-forming tendency of urine in the outpatient clinic. The concentrations of urinary constituents of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, uric acid and oxalic acid were measured using 2 types of simple colorimetric tests (vial and quantitative filter types). The intensity of the color developing after a given interval was compared with a color standard of 4 levels. The results obtained using the colorimetric test were slightly lower in value than but significantly correlated with those obtained with standard measurements. The second test measured the crystal-forming ability of urine. A 10 ml. urine sample was pipetted into 4 vials that each contained different concentrations of oxalic acid and calcium. After a given interval the turbidity in each vial was compared with a control (0 mg. oxalic acid and calcium). If turbidity occurred in urine with low concentrations of oxalic acid and calcium the sample had a large tendency for crystals to form.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care*
  • Calcium
  • Calcium Oxalate / urine*
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Crystallization
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Oxalates
  • Oxalic Acid
  • Risk Factors
  • Urinary Calculi / diagnosis
  • Urinary Calculi / epidemiology
  • Urinary Calculi / urine*

Substances

  • Oxalates
  • Calcium Oxalate
  • Oxalic Acid
  • Calcium