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CRYSTAL IDENTIFICATION
Message***This test includes a Pathologist Interpretation***
Test Code
CRYBF
CPT Codes
89060
Includes
Includes: examination for uric acid crystals and calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
Also includes Pathologist Interpretation
Also includes Pathologist Interpretation
Preferred Specimen
1 Green Tube (Heparin) Heparin choice is Sodium
Other Acceptable Specimens
Sterile container
Instructions
Please observe the following:
- Do not centrifuge
- The crystal examination of body fluids must be performed as soon as possible after the fluid is collected.
- Changes in temperature and pH can affect crystal solubility
- Time delays before the microscopic examination can result in inaccurate results
- Crystals may form during storage and the leukocytes actively phagocytose the crystals
- If testing is delayed, the sample should be stored refrigerated 2-8C
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
2-8ÂșC up to 24 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
The following tubes will result in a rejected specimen due to the formation of crystal artifact:
- Fluid collected in powdered EDTA (liquid EDTA is acceptable)
- Fluid collected in lithium heparin
- Fluid collected in oxalate
Methodology
Microscopic identification
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun
Report Available
Final report available within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory M-Th. Samples received on Friday will be reviewed by the Pathologist the following Monday.
Reference Range
No crystals seen
Clinical Significance
Crystal identification may be requested on various body fluids to aid in the diagnosis of certain disease states. The two fluids most commonly submitted are joint fluids, for detection of monosodium urate or calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and fluid from the gall bladder for identification of cholesterol crystals. Polarized microscopy with compensator is used to differentiate between MSU (monosodium urate crystals) and CPPD (calcium pyrophosphate crystals).
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NHM4 (Hematology, Miscellaneous)
Last Updated: June 7, 2023