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HelpTest ID: SFC Crystal Identification, Synovial Fluid
Reporting Name
Crystal ID, Synovial FlUseful For
Identifying the presence and type of crystals in synovial fluid
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.
Interpretation
Positive identification of crystals provides a definitive diagnosis for joint disease.
Analytic Time
1 dayDay(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Clinical Reference
Hussong JW, Kjeldsberg CR: Kjeldsberg's Body Fluid Analysis. First edition. ASCP Press 2015
Method Name
Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy
Includes cytospin prep.
Specimen Type
Body FluidSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Green top (heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fluid | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours | ||
| Frozen | |||
Reference Values
None seen
If present, crystals are identified.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. 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
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SFC | Crystal ID, Synovial Fl | 5781-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SFCID | Crystal ID, Synovial Fl | 5781-0 |
| REV28 | Reviewed By: | 18771-6 |
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