Synovial Fluid Crystals
CPT Code(s):
89060
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Synovial Fluid
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Capped Syringe (without the needle) or Sterile Cup and Lavender Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Follow normal aseptic collection proceudres
Rejection Criteria:
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; Specimen received at room temperature > 2 hours old; Specimen received refrigerated > 48 hours old; frozen specimens
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Synovial Fluid Crystals is a diagnostic tool used to identify and analyze crystals present in the synovial fluid, which is the fluid found in joints. This test has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the following ways:
1. Diagnosis of Crystal-Induced Arthritis: Crystals can form in the synovial fluid due to various conditions, such as gout or pseudogout. Synovial Fluid Crystals helps identify the type of crystals present, such as monosodium urate crystals in gout or calcium pyrophosphate crystals in pseudogout. The presence of these crystals confirms the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthritis.
2. Differentiation of Joint Disorders: The identification of specific crystals in the synovial fluid can aid in differentiating between different types of joint disorders. For example, the presence of urate crystals suggests gout, while calcium pyrophosphate crystals indicate pseudogout. This information is valuable in guiding treatment decisions and management strategies.
3. Assessment of Disease Severity: Synovial Fluid Crystals can provide information about the extent and severity of crystal-induced arthritis. Higher crystal loads or more extensive crystal deposition may indicate more severe disease and can guide treatment decisions.
4. Confirmation of Diagnosis: The presence of crystals in the synovial fluid can confirm the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthritis, especially when combined with clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings. It helps distinguish crystal-induced arthritis from other types of joint inflammation, such as infectious or autoimmune arthritis.
5. Monitoring Treatment Response: Synovial Fluid Crystals can be performed periodically to assess the effectiveness of treatment for crystal-induced arthritis. A decrease in crystal load or the absence of crystals in subsequent tests indicates a positive response to therapy.
In summary, Synovial Fluid Crystals plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthritis, such as gout and pseudogout. It helps confirm the diagnosis, differentiate between different joint disorders, assess disease severity, and monitor treatment response. This test provides valuable information that guides healthcare providers in delivering appropriate and targeted care to patients with crystal-induced arthritis.