Test Overview
Test Methodology

Provider performed microscopy- polarizing microscope

Test Usage

Performed by authorized providers in the point of care. Synovial fluid crystal analysis is used to investigate joint inflammation. Needle-like monosodium urate crystals (MSUM) are associated with gout, and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals are associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition diseases, including pseudo gout, chondrocalcinosis , and pyrophosphate arthropathy.

Reference Range *

No crystals seen

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Polarizing artifacts that may be seen with polarized microscope examination; glass fragments, collagen fibrils, dust particles, corticosteroids, fibrils from lens paper, cartilage fragments, lipids from degenerated cells, metal fragments from prosthesis, threads, scratches in glass slide.

Test Details
Soft Order Code
PPCRY
MiChart Code
POC Crystal Analysis, Synovial Fluid
Laboratory
Point of Care
Section
Point of Care
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect in syringe containing sodium heparin. If the sample is transferred to a collection tube, the preferred tube should contain sodium heparin or EDTA. Urine cups and other containers are acceptable.

Rejection Criteria
Specimens collected in tubes containing crystalline forms of anticoagulants (oxalate, powdered EDTA, and heparin) can produce crystalline structures resembling monosodium urate crystals and should not be used.
Additional Information

For more test specific information, please refer to the test procedure found on the Michigan Medicine POC website: https://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/point-of-care

Billing
CPT Code
89060
LOINC
5781-0