Urolith analysis overview

No charge for quantitative urolith analysis

Quantitative urolith analysis is supported by a generous educational gift from Hill's Pet Nutrition and by essential voluntary contributions from pet owners, industry partners, and veterinary clinics worldwide.

Who can submit a sample for analysis?

In general, we limit submissions to those directly from veterinarians. We firmly believe patient management is best when both the pet owner and veterinarian are involved. Your veterinarian is in the best position to interpret results and partner with you to provide the follow up care necessary to prevent future urolith formation.

You must use our online laboratory to use our analysis services- Learn more about our online laboratory

How to submit a sample for analysis

Submitting and tracking a sample follows a simple, three step process: Preparation, Shipment, and Receiving / understanding results.  Following the links below will guide you through the entire process.

How is the analysis performed?

We perform quantitative mineral analysis utilizing Optical Crystallography and Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR and FTIR).  For identification of unusual minerals, we have access to equipment and specialists on campus in techniques such as XRD, EDS, micro-CT, and other specialized methodology.  Our highly trained technicians collectively have almost 125 YEARS of experience in urinary mineral analysis.

Other general analysis information

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Samples accepted/declined

Our laboratory offers urolith analysis of minerals from the urinary tract (aka uroliths, urinary stones, urinary calculi).

Samples NOT accepted

  • Urolith cultures,
  • urinalysis,
  • choleoliths (gallbladder stones),
  • sialoliths,
  • enteroliths or
  • other material from outside the urinary tract are not accepted.  

Consult your local reference laboratory, your state veterinary college or diagnostic laboratory, or materials characterization facilities in your area for assistance.

Species accepted

USA submissions:

We are able to accept samples from all species (except primates and humans). Be sure to provide detailed species identification when entering patient information online prior to shipping samples.

International submissions:

To comply with international regulations, shipments from clinics outside the United States must contain only approved species. See Shipping from outside the USA (pdf) for acceptable species under USDA guidelines 1102, 1103, 1104.  In general, dogs, cats, rodents, aquatic species, and reptiles are accepted.

Sample size

The larger the sample, the easier it will be to analyze. In most cases, if you can see the sample, we can analyze it (generally the size of a poppy seed). Please write "Tiny sample" on the packing slip accompanying the sample.

Mulitple stones

We advise always submitting the largest stone, and a representative portion of sizes, shapes, and colors. If uroliths were retrieved from different parts of the urinary tract; (e.g. kidney and bladder), send them in separate containers, identified with the source. All uroliths within a patient may or may not be composed of the same mineral type(s).