Crystals

Crystals in microscopic stool sediment are various mineral formations that may appear due to changes in the chemical composition of intestinal contents.

• Normally, crystals are absent or present in negligible amounts.
• Detection of crystals may indicate metabolic disorders, liver and biliary tract diseases, as well as inflammatory processes in the intestine.
• Different types of crystals are distinguished: urates, oxalates, phosphates, etc., each having specific diagnostic significance.
• Urates may indicate increased intestinal acidity and purine metabolism disorders.
• Oxalates are linked to impaired calcium absorption and metabolism.
• Phosphates may appear with alkaline environmental reaction and inflammatory processes.

Detection and identification of crystals in stool help the physician determine causes of disorders and select appropriate treatment.