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

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

2-8ºC 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

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.