Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost? Fee Schedule?
Do we need to set up an account?
How should I package the sample?
Does the Minnesota Urolith Center provide mailers/containers?
How shoud the samples be mailed?
How long before I receive results?
Can I access my results online?
Do I need to send all of the stones removed?
Do I need to send the whole stone for analysis?
How small of a sample can be analyzed?
Can I cancel the analysis?
Should I send the sample in formalin?
The sample was accidentally put in formalin, what do we do now?
Can I submit choleoliths, sialoliths, enteroliths for analysis?
Do you analyze stones from species other than dogs and cats?

How much does it cost?  Fee Schedule?
We provide stone analysis at no charge.  In return we ask for information related to each urolith patient for ongoing epidemiological studies.  To how to submit page.

Do we need to set up an account?
Because there is no billing information that needs to be arranged before we receive your sample, you do not need to contact us ahead of time.

How should I package the sample?
Please send all uroliths removed from the patient, or a representation of sizes and shapes. Samples can be sent via US Mail or through your preferred shipper.  For packaging instructions for non-infectious clinical samples see:  United States Postal Service Packaging Instruction 6C or contact your preferred shipper for instructions on complying with  IATA Regulation 3.6.2.2.3.6.

Does the Minnesota Urolith Center provide mailers/containers?
Because we provide this service at no charge, we are unable to provide containers or prepaid mailers.

How should the samples be mailed?  Parcel post? Priority?
Packages sent parcel post can take up to 5-10 days to reach our lab. Please be sure to attach adequate postage to your package, visit www.usps.com for additional information.  By using a priority or express courier, your package will arrive sooner, and you may be able to track this package to insure delivery.

How long before I receive results?
In most cases you can expect urolith results by mail approximately two weeks after the samples arrive in our lab.  Please allow for transit time.

Can I access my results online?
This option is currently under development. Results are returned by U.S. mail.

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Do I need to send all of the stones removed?
We recommend that you send a representative sample of the stones removed.  Sometimes the larger and/or smaller stones may contain different mineral layers.  Also, stones removed from different areas of the urinary tract may differ in composition.

Do I need to send the whole stone for analysis?
We advise against submitting portions or scrapings from uroliths.  Uroliths may contain different mineral types in different layers.  Submitting the entire stone ensures all layers of the stone will be available for the most accurate analysis.

How small of a sample can be analyzed?
Generally we say that if you can see the sample we can analyze it.  (Generally the size of a poppyseed). Please note on the form (TINY SAMPLE SUBMITTED).

Can I cancel the analysis?
Since we provide the analysis service at no charge, we would prefer to analyze the sample as it contributes epidemiological information to our database.

Should I send the sample in formalin? 
NO.  Formalin can interfere with analysis, dissolve samples, and may alter crystalline structure. 

The sample was accidentally put in formalin, what do we do now?
If  a sample is accidentally put in formalin and has not dissolved, you can remove the sample from formalin and allow to dry.  Please note on the submission form that the sample has been in formalin.  Sample analysis may be delayed due to inappropriate submission methods.

Can I submit choleoliths, sialoliths, enteroliths for analysis?
We can analyze these samples, but please allow additional time.  Please use the urolith submission form and enter the exact location of sample under source.

Do you analyze stones from species other than dogs and cats?
Yes, from clinics in the United States we can accept samples from all ANIMAL Species.  Be sure to indicate species information on the submission form.  If you are shipping a sample from a clinic outside the United States, you can only send samples that fall under USDA guidelines 1102 and 1103.

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Helpful Links
www.usps.com