4092 Crystal 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