The composition of renal stones analysed by infrared spectroscopy

The use of infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of renal stones has been evaluated. It appears to be an ideal method for the analysis of stones and is suitable for routine use in a clinical laboratory. A procedure is described and reference spectra for the determination of the constituents of renal stones are presented. Fifty-two renal stones were analysed by the method and the results are presented. Contrary to published data, no pure calcium oxalate stones were identified; all the calcium stones contained calcium phosphate. This could be of importance in the aetiology of renal stones.