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Test Code Billings Clinic: 3036 Crystal Identification, Synovial Fluid

Additional Codes

Ordering Mnemonic
MayoAccess: BCL300

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Hematology

Useful For

Providing a definitive diagnosis for joint disease

 

Monosodium urate crystals are found in almost 100% of fluids from acute gouty joints (within phagocytes), and less frequently in chronic gouty arthritis (mostly extracellular).

 

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals are characteristic of pseudogout chondrocalcinosis and CPPD deposition disease. Diagnosis requires demonstrating CPPD crystals.

 

Cholesterol crystals can sometimes be seen in patients with long-standing pleural effusions due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other joint disorders or tuberculosis.

Methodology

Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy

 

Specimen Requirements

  • 0.5 mL of synovial fluid in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s).
  • Send specimen refrigerated.
  • Forward promptly.
  • Specimen type (fluid type/description) for each tube/container is required on request form for processing.
  • Properly label (fluid type/description) each tube/container submitted.

Reference Values

Absent

If present, crystals are identified.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

89060 - Crystal identification by light microscopy; tissue or any body fluid (except urine)

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Crystal, Body Fluid 6825-4