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

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.