4092Crystal Analysis
Specimen Type
Specimen Stability
Reference Range
Body fluid
Deliver to lab ASAP
See Report
Specimen Requirements
Fluid should be sent to lab ASAP at room temperature in a sterile, screw cap container or tube or syringe as long as needle is not attached. Synovial fluids should not be sent in tubes with anticoagulant other than Sodium heparin. Bile should be submitted in sterile, screw cap container or tube.
Specimen Type:Body fluid
Method
Polarized microscopy
Schedule
Monday-Saturday
Clinical Utility
Analysis of synovial (joint) fluid is used to classify joint disorder. The presence of crystals indicates crystal-induced arthritis. Most commonly seen are uric acid (gout) and calcium pyrophosphate (pseudogout) crystals. Cholesterol and corticosteroid crystals may also be seen. Bile is analyzed for cholesterol crystals and parasites.
CPT Codes
89060
