Alpha Defensin, Synovial Fluid, LFA

Test Code

12188

CPT Codes
83518

Preferred Specimen

0.6 mL synovial fluid collected in a plain red-top tube

Patient Preparation
This test should only be used for patients with a total joint prosthesis.

Minimum Volume

0.10 mL

Instructions

Specimen source and type of joint are required. If not obtained from a prosthetic joint, testing will be canceled.

Ask-at-Order-Entry questions must be answered. "Not Given" or "NG" answers are not acceptable. Freshly collected synovial fluid only.

Note: Synovial fluid obtained after repeated aspirations within a short time period might lead to false-negative results due to the lack of buildup of alpha defensin.

The use of synovial fluid diluted with saline, blood, contrast agent, or any substances injected into the joint may lead to false-negative results.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Sun-Fri; Report available: 1-2 days

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Detection of alpha defensins 1-3, human host response proteins, in synovial fluid of adults with a total joint replacement who are being evaluated for revision surgery.
This test is not intended to be used to determine timing for reimplantation in 2-stage procedures.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.