Specimen Requirements
Title
Crystals, Synovial Fluid
Specimen Requirement
Collect 3 mL synovial fluid in an lavender EDTA or sodium heparin.
Alternative specimens
Synovial fluid collected in a plain red top or sterile tube.
Methodology
Microscopy/Polarized Light
Stability
Room temp: 48 hours, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Range
By Report*
Turnaround
1-2 days performed Monday-Saturday
Clinical Use
To rule out pathologic crystals.
Test Code
CRYST