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Test ID CRSBF Crystal Identification, Body Fluid


Specimen Required


Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Green top (heparin)

Specimen Volume: 2 mL


Secondary ID

610646

Useful For

Identifying the presence and type of crystals in synovial fluid

Method Name

Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy

Reporting Name

Crystal ID, BF

Specimen Type

Body Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Body Fluid Refrigerated (preferred)
  Ambient  24 hours
  Frozen 

Clinical Information

Birefringent crystals are found in the synovial fluid of more than 90% of patients with acutely inflamed joints.

Monosodium urate crystals are seen in gouty fluids and calcium pyrophosphate crystals are seen in chondrocalcinosis. The urates are usually needle-shaped, and the calcium crystals are often rhomboidal. Cholesterol crystals may also be observed.

Reference Values

None seen

If present, crystals are identified.

Cautions

Powdered anticoagulants such as oxalate are themselves crystalline or may cause crystals to form; their use may cause false-positive results or mask the presence of synovial fluid crystals definitive for the disease.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

89060

NY State Approved

Yes