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Crystal Identification
MessageTest performed at York Hospital Laboratory
Test Code
CRYSTAL
CPT Codes
89060
Preferred Specimen
1 mL synovial fluid collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL synovial fluid collected in a liquid EDTA (lavender-top) tube
1 mL synovial fluid collected in a no additive (red-top) tube
1 mL synovial fluid collected in a no additive (red-top) tube
Instructions
A clotted specimen can be used for crystal ID. Be advised, it may be more difficult to determine crystals entwined in the clot.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Call the laboratory
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Specimens collected lithium heparin (green-top) tube
Specimens collected in powdered EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Specimens collected in powdered EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Methodology
Polarized Microscopy
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Next Day
Reference Range
Negative
Clinical Significance
Identification of monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystals in synovial fluid samples is diagnostic of gout and CPPD crystal related arthropathy. The crystals that may be seen in synovial fluid include: monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD), cholesterol, steroids, apatite (hydroxyl) and other phosphates, oxalate, and artifacts.
