Crystal Analysis, Synovial Fluid or Body Fluid

Message

BGFMC sends to BBMC. BPMC sends to BGMC.
OCH and BCCH send to NCMC.
TCH and PCMH send to WyMCC.
WyMCC performs on site.

Test Code

CRYSY, CRYBF

Preferred Specimen

Synovial fluid should be submitted in a sterile container, or heparin or liquid EDTA tube, properly labeled according to specimen acceptability criteria. Note: On rare occasion, other body fluids may be submitted for crystals.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL of fluid

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 1-2hrs
Refrigerated: up to 72 hrs
Frozen: DO NOT FREEZE

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

Tubes containing oxalate, powdered EDTA, or lithium heparin should not be used because they can produce artifacts that
interfere in the microscopic examination of crystals.
Specimens received unlabeled, outside of acceptable temperatures, or >2 hours after collection should be addressed per
instructions for Irretrievable Specimens in LSA Specimen Rejection policy.

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Less than 4 hours

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

The identification of crystals in the synovial is one of the few pathognomonic tests in the study of arthritides. Monosodium urate crystals are the most important crystals to identify since their presence is usually diagnostic of gout. The presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals is characteristic of a group of disorders collectively called “calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.” Other terms that are used include “pseudogout” or “chondrocalcinosis”. Cholesterol, corticosteroid, or other rare crystals may also be present.

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.