Infrared spectrometry and Raman microprobe in the analysis of urinary calculi.

Infrared spectrophotometry and Raman spectroscopy, thanks to the laser molecular microsond (MOLE), are two analytical techniques particularly well suited to a precise analysis of the composition and structure of urinary calculi. They both showed noteworthy efficiency in their ability to recognize the various crystalline or amorphous mineral and organic species. The MOLE permits analysis of crystals 1 mu in size, demonstrating its usefulness in the study of calculi nuclei as well as in the study of urinary crystals. These analyses are a very important source of information about conditions of crystalline nucleation and growth as well as about ions and molecules which can take place in the formation and the evolution of the diverse crystalline phases. On the clinical level, these data can contribute to a better comprehension of the formation of every stone.