| Specimen Type | Specimen Stability | Reference Range |
| Body fluid | Deliver to lab ASAP | See Report |
Specimen RequirementsFluid 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
|