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Cell Count and Diff with Crystals, Synovial Fluid
Test CodeSFCC
Alias/See Also
Synovial Fluid Cell Count
Synovial Fluid Exam
Synovial Fluid Exam
Includes
RBC, TNC (Total Nucleated Cells), Differential counts, Crystal (if present)
Preferred Specimen
3 mL fluid (1 mL minimum)
Instructions
Fluid is collected in sterile vacuum bottle or other collection container and then aliquoted as needed into lavender top (EDTA), green top (Heparin), screw cap plastic vial.
Transport Container
EDTA (lavender/purple top) for cell count (Heparin green top is acceptable), Sterile container without preservative for crystals
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours, Refrigerated: 48 hours, Frozen: Unacceptable
Report Available
Same day
Limitations
If there is a clot, count is performed on available liquid and a notation added to the report. Counts on partially clotted samples may be affected depending whether or not cells are trapped in the clot.
Reference Range
No established range
Clinical Significance
Except for the identification of crystals and culture for microorganisms, synovial fluid examination usually does not elicit a specific diagnosis. However, examination of the following characteristics is often valuable in categorizing a joint disease and in facilitating the establishment of a diagnosis: volume, clarity, color, viscosity, mucin clot formation, spontaneous glucose, crystals, and microbiologic culture.
