Renal stone analysis : patient findings and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy method validation : peer reviewed original article

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to validate the Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method used for renal stone analysis, establish prevalence of renal stones and to obtain demographic information on patients presenting with renal stones. Renal stones are analyzed by FTIR to determine the constituents of the stones, in order to assist with the appropriate treatment of the patient and prevent a recurrence of stone formation. Validation of methods is important to ensure accurate reported results. The majority of the renal stones analyzed consisted of calcium in some form and the prevalence of stones was much higher in men (75%) than in women, which correlates to findings in other studies. The method is fit for the purpose of renal stone analysis using standard or mini pellets.