Agar-embedded Urinary Stones: A Technique useful for Studying Microscopic Architecture

Abstract

A procedure for studying urinary stones by various microscopic techniques is described. The stones are sectioned into approximately 0.2 to 1.0 mm. thick pieces using a low-speed saw. The sections are then embedded in agar and decalcified using 0.25 M EDTA acid at pH 7.2. The decalcified residue is then processed for light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy as with any other biological tissue. The ethylenediaminetetracetic acid-insoluble stone matrix keeps its architectural integrity and can be studied like other biological materials.