Mucin Clot, Synovial Fluid

Test Code

SFMUCC

Alias/See Also

Mucin Clot Test

Quest Code
4635

CPT Codes
83872

Preferred Specimen

3 mL synovial fluid collected in a no additive (red-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Fluid should be collected in a sterile vacuum bottle or other collection container and then aliquoted into red-top (unpreserved) tube. Since synovial fluid specimens are more difficult to obtain and are frequently one time only samples, the criteria for an acceptable sample should not be as rigid as those for peripheral blood. Samples with small clots should not be rejected, but the presence of clot should be noted.
Ship the sample immediately to Quest.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: unacceptable

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

Collection in EDTA (lavender-top) or sodium heparin (green-top) tubes

Methodology
Acetic Acid

Setup Schedule

Monday-Friday a.m.

Report Available

Same day

Clinical Significance

Test to aid in differential diagnosis of diseases of joints and joint fluid.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
Chantilly, VA

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.