Characterisation of urinary crystals and thin polished sections of urinary calculi by means of an optical microscopic and scanning electron microscopic arrangement.

The use of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined permits a more far-reaching investigation of a given specimen. The subsequent element distribution analysis (EDAX system) allows the determination of mixed phases, inclusions and single crystals. The instrument combination was successfully tried on urinary crystals and thin sections of urinary calculi. The description of some findings, with the aid of examples, explains the efficiency of the system in the expansion of urinary calculus analysis.