A kidney stone strainer is a simple, fine-mesh device designed to capture tiny stones or fragments passing from the urinary tract. This collector is often made of plastic or gauze and is sometimes called a calculi strainer or urine strainer. The purpose of the strainer is to collect the passed stone for analysis by a medical laboratory. Analyzing the stone’s chemical composition determines the cause of its formation, allowing a physician to prescribe specific preventative measures. Knowing the stone’s type is the foundation for avoiding future painful episodes.
Immediate Purchase Options
Locating a kidney stone strainer quickly is a priority for people experiencing symptoms, and several retail locations offer immediate availability. Local pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, are typically the most convenient source for these collection kits. These strainers are often sold as “Kidney Stone Collection Kit” or “Calculi Strainer” and are usually found near medical supplies or first aid sections. Large big-box stores like Walmart or Target also stock these devices.
Hospital gift shops or on-site pharmacies may carry a collection kit, ensuring immediate access after a diagnosis. While online retailers offer a wide selection, physical stores are the better choice for an urgent need due to shipping delays. If a commercial strainer is not immediately accessible, a temporary alternative is a clean, very fine-mesh kitchen strainer or cheesecloth.
Collecting the Stone Successfully
Properly using the strainer is important to ensure the stone is not missed and that the specimen remains viable for analysis. The most practical approach is to prepare a clean collection cup or bowl, then urinate directly into that container. Immediately after urination, pour the collected urine slowly through the fine-mesh strainer. This allows the liquid to pass into the toilet while trapping any solid particles.
Strain every instance of urination until the stone has definitively passed. Stones do not always pass as a single object; they can break up into tiny fragments or sand-like material, which must also be collected. Once captured, carefully retrieve the stone or fragment from the mesh and transfer it to a clean, dry container. The strainer should be rinsed and kept clean, as the process may need to be repeated for several days or weeks.
Submitting the Stone for Analysis
Following collection, the stone must be prepared for laboratory analysis. Place the collected stone or fragments in the kit container or a clean, small, screw-capped plastic container. Thoroughly air-dry the sample at room temperature for at least 24 hours. The stone must be completely dry before submission, as residual moisture interferes with the analytical procedure and causes testing delays. Do not place the stone in any liquid (like formalin or water) or wrap it in cotton or tape, which can contaminate the sample.
Once dried, label the container with the patient’s information and date of collection, then bring it to the physician or urologist. The analysis identifies the stone’s chemical composition, with the most common types being calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite. For instance, a calcium oxalate stone may require a diet low in oxalate-rich foods, while a uric acid stone may be treated with medications to alkalinize the urine. The laboratory result provides the information needed to tailor specific dietary recommendations, fluid intake goals, or medication prescriptions, minimizing the likelihood of future recurrences.