Crystals in Synovial Fluid
Synovial Fluid Analysis
Test Codes
EPIC: LAB5143
Department
Hematology
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: 1.0 mL synovial fluid in a Green-top Sodium Heparin tube (Minimum: 0.5 mL) or sterile cup.
- Crystal identification should not be performed on Lavender-top EDTA tubes, as powdered EDTA may produce false positive results.
- Specimens collected in Red-top tubes are no longer acceptable.
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Arrange for transportation to the Laboratory prior to specimen collection. Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: 1.0 mL synovial fluid, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)
Rejection Criteria
- Specimens received in bags, bottles, or syringes.
- Specimens collected in Lavender-top EDTA tubes, Oxalate, Green-top Lithium Heparin tubes, or Red-top tubes.
Inpatient Specimen Preparation
Transport specimen to the Laboratory immediately after collection.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 24 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 30 days
Laboratory
Dearborn Hematology Laboratory
Farmington Hills Hematology Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Hematology Laboratory
Royal Oak Hematology Laboratory
Troy Hematology Laboratory
Performed
| Site: | Performed: 24-hours a day |
| Farmington Hills Hematology Laboratory | Sunday – Saturday |
| Grosse Pointe Hematology Laboratory | Sunday – Saturday |
| Royal Oak Hematology Laboratory | Sunday – Saturday |
| Troy Hematology Laboratory | Sunday – Saturday |
| | |
Site:
| Performed: Day Shift Only |
| Dearborn Hematology Laboratory | Monday – Friday |
| | |
| DOES NOT PERFORM: | |
| Canton Laboratory | |
| Lenox Laboratory | |
| Trenton Laboratory | |
| Livonia Laboratory | |
| Taylor Laboratory | |
| Wayne Laboratory | |
Reference Range
Absent.
Test Methodology
Polarizing Microscope.
Interpretation
The presence of monosodium urate crystals is usually diagnostic of gout. The presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals is characteristic of "CPPD crystal deposition disease" or pseudogout.
Clinical Utility
This test can assist in the diagnosis of gout, pseudogout, and other arthritic diseases. The types of crystals found in synovial fluid include monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, cholesterol, or steroid.
CPT Codes
89060
Contacts
Hematology Laboratory – DBN
313-593-7905
Name: Hematology Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-593-7905
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
947-521-8243
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8243
Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
313-473-1809
Name: Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1809
Hematology Laboratory – RO
248-551-8080
Name: Hematology Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8080
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
248-964-8040
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8040
Last Updated
11/2/2023
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