Test Overview
Test Methodology

Direct polarized microscopy

Test Usage

Aid in differential diagnosis of gout or pseudogout.

Reference Range *

Crystal exam negative (no crystals seen).

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

24 hours

Soft Order Code
CRYS
MiChart Code
Crystal Exam, Body Fluid
Synonyms
  • Crystal Exam, Synovial Fluid
  • CRYSTAL IDENTIFICATION
  • CRYSTAL/M.C. ANALYSIS
  • CRYSTAL
  • TYPE *
  • CRYSTAL EXAM
  • PATH REV C
  • Joint Fluid Crystal Exam
  • Synovial Fluid Crystal Exam
Laboratory
Hematopathology
Section
Hematology
STAT Availability

STAT requests for this test will be performed on a STAT basis (supervisory staff approval is not required).

Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen using aseptic technique. For optimal results, specimen should reach laboratory within 1 hr. of collection.If specimen must be stored, refrigeration is recommended. Specimen must be received within 24 hours of collection.

Special Handling

Send specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.

Alternate Specimen
Any EDTA K2 collection tube is acceptable, including but not limited to Pink top EDTA K2 and Tan top EDTA K2 tubes.
Rejection Criteria
Specimens received in syringes, vacuum bottles, large containers,green lithium heparin Vacutainer® tubes or plastic red top Vacutainer® tubes containing clot activator will be rejected. Specimens exceeding the storage criteria or collected in a crystalline anticoagulant tube will be rejected.
Red Top Tube
Normal Volume
1 mL synovial fluid only
Minimum Volume
1 mL synovial fluid only
Additional Information

Test may include pathologist interpretation of results at an additional charge. By ordering this test, the clinician acknowledges that a pathologist interpretation will be performed and billed as a separate additional charge if indicated. Crystals most commonly identified in synovial fluid are negatively birefringent uric acid (gout) and positively birefringent calcium pyrophosphate (pseudogout). Occasionally cholesterol crystals are seen. Urate crystals are almost always seen intracellularly in acute gout. Calcium pyrophosphate crystals may be detected only after multiple aspirations of affected joints.

Billing
CPT Code
89060
Fee Code
30924
NY State Approved
No