StoneRisk Diagnostic Profile

the most common cause of kidney stones

helps prevent stone formation by binding calcium

Assess adequacy of urine collection

Struvite is the crystal name for stones that form only in the presence of urease-producing bacteria (eg, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium species, Ureaplasma urealyticum) in the upper urinary tract. Other names for this crystal type include "triple phosphate" and magnesium ammonium phosphate carbonate apatite. Struvite is found in approximately 1 percent of stones and is much more common in females than in males (due to the higher risk of urinary tract infections in females). Struvite stones: Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones are often referred to as "infection stones" since they are strongly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) with urea-splitting organisms. They may grow rapidly over a period of weeks to months and, if not adequately treated, can develop into a staghorn or branched calculus that fills the entire kidney collecting system. If left untreated, this can lead to deterioration of kidney function and end-stage kidney disease. In addition, since the stones often remain infected, there is a risk of developing sepsis. Thus, most patients require definitive surgical treatment.

High purine intake or production

Uric acid, a key biomarker assessed through a 24-hour urine test, holds significant clinical relevance in diagnosing and managing various metabolic and renal disorders. Chemically, uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans, arising predominantly from the dietary breakdown of nucleic acids and, to a lesser extent, endogenous purine synthesis. Normally, it is soluble in the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted in urine. However, deviations in its urinary concentration can be indicative of pathological states. Elevated urinary uric acid levels, or hyperuricosuria, can signal conditions such as gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints due to hyperuricemia. It is also a risk factor for urolithiasis, particularly the formation of uric acid kidney stones, which occur when uric acid concentrations reach a point of supersaturation, leading to crystallization. Renal insufficiency can also manifest as increased uric acid excretion, given the kidneys' role in its clearance. Beyond these, dietary factors, particularly a high intake of purine-rich foods, certain medications, genetic predispositions, and other health conditions like obesity, psoriasis, and some cancers, can influence uric acid levels. The test's utility lies in its ability to guide dietary and therapeutic interventions, monitor disease progression, and assess the efficacy of treatments aimed at reducing uric acid levels, particularly in gout management. This test, when interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings, offers a comprehensive view of an individual's purine metabolism and renal excretory function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of associated disorders.

Drinking more fluids can help lower your risk of kidney stones