Sign in →

Test Code LAB213 Crystals, Synovial Fluid

Useful For

Identifying the presence and type of crystals in synovial fluid.  Monosodium urate crystals are found in almost 100% of fluids from acute gouty joints (within phagocytes), and less frequently in chronic gouty joints (mostly extracellular).  Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals are characteristic of pseudogout chondrocalcinosis and CPPD deposition disease.  Clinical symptoms mimic gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. Diagnosis requires demonstrating CPPD crystals.

Methodology

Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy

Performing Laboratory

Bozeman Health Laboratory Services

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Synovial Fluid

Container/Tube: Dark-green top (sodium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Additional Information: Indicate specimen source.

 

Specimen Rejection: Lavender top (EDTA) tube or light-green top (lithium heparin) tube

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient 

Specimen Stability

 

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Synovial Fluid Ambient (preferred) 72 hours
  Refrigerated

Note:  Body fluids should be examined expeditiously. If they must be stored, store refrigerated. 

Reference Values

No crystals seen

If present, crystals are identified.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

89060