Name of the Procedure:

Calcium; Urine Quantitative, Timed Specimen

Summary

This procedure measures the amount of calcium excreted in the urine over a specified period. It's usually done over a 24-hour period but can vary based on what the doctor orders.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: This test helps diagnose and further investigate kidney stones, bone diseases, and abnormal parathyroid gland function.
• Goals: To determine if calcium is being excessively lost in the urine, which might indicate an underlying medical condition.

Indications

• Recurrent kidney stones
• Unexplained bone pain or fractures
• Suspected parathyroid gland disorders
• Monitoring patients with conditions affecting calcium metabolism

Preparation

• Patients might be instructed to avoid certain foods and medications that can affect calcium levels.
• Ensure proper hydration by drinking adequate fluids, unless instructed otherwise.
• Sometimes, fasting or avoiding specific supplements might be required.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will collect all urine passed over a 24-hour period into a provided container.
2. The first urine passed in the morning is discarded, and collection begins after that.
3. The container should be kept refrigerated or on ice during the collection period.
4. At the end of the 24-hour period, the final urine sample is added to the container.
5. The specimen is then returned to the healthcare provider or laboratory for analysis.

Duration

The collection period is typically 24 hours.

Setting

This is usually done at home by the patient with instructions from a healthcare provider.

Personnel

• A healthcare provider or nurse will provide instructions on how to collect the sample and answer any questions.
• Lab technicians analyze the sample.

Risks and Complications

• There are no direct risks from the urine collection itself.
• Miscollection (e.g., missing samples) can lead to inaccurate results and potentially misdiagnosis.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of calcium metabolism.
• Helps diagnose and manage conditions related to abnormal calcium levels.

Recovery

• No actual recovery is needed as the process is non-invasive.
• Patients can go about their normal activities, except during the collection period.

Alternatives

• Blood tests for calcium levels.
• Bone density scans, depending on what specific information is needed.

Patient Experience

• The primary requirement is diligence in collecting all urine samples over the specified period.
• No pain or physical discomfort is involved.
• It is important to follow instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.