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HelpTest Code LAB213 SYNOVIAL FLUID PANEL WITH CRYSTALS
Additional Codes
Internal: 10673
External: SYNCX
Beaker: LAB213
PERFORMED AT
SBH LABORATORY
SRH LABORATORY
SMH LABORATORY
HDH LABORATORY
Specimen Requirements
Container Type: Plain plastic (Red or white top) tube without additive (1-3 ml) AND one K-2 EDTA tube
Specimen Type: Synovial fluid
Preferred Volume: 3 mL per tube
Emergency Minimum Volume: 1 mL in each tube
Collection Procedure: Withdraw fluid and immediately place a maximum of 3 mL into the EDTA tube. Invert tube several times. Place maximum of 3 mL of the remaining synovial fluid in the plain red or white top tube for gross exam, crystals, chemistries, and culture if ordered separately.
Specimen Processing: Transport ASAP. Store & transport refrigerated.
Required Patient Info: Specific site of collection
Unacceptable Condition: Samples collected in powdered EDTA cannot be used for crystals. Samples received without anticoagulant, grossly clotted specimens or specimens that have been at room temperature for 24 hours or more. Syringe with needle attached (syringe acceptable only with Luer tip cap).
Limitations: Large amount of local anesthetic should not be injected as the urate (MSU) crystals are water soluble and will dissolve in the anesthetic fluid. Clots may form if left in a syringe. This will compromise testing.
Stability:
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| Room Temp | 12 hours (some crystals may dissolve within a few hours) |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
| Frozen (-20 øC) | Not acceptable |
Method
Automated or Manual Cell Count; Manual Differential; Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy; Colorimetric
Department
Hematology and Chemistry
Test Schedule
Daily
Test Includes
Color, Appearance, Clarity, Viscosity; Nucleated Cells per μl, RBCs per μl, Neutrophils %, Lymphocytes %, Monocytes/Macrophages %, Eosinophils %, Basophils %, Other Cells %, Protein, g/dL; Glucose, mg/dL; Presence or absence of crystals, presumptive ID of crystals if present.
Turnaround Time
24 hours
CPT Codes / Price Quote Code / Billing Information
89051, 89060, 84157, 82945
Remarks
Cell counts will be attempted on all fluids sent. However, specimen volume and quality may affect or prevent testing (i.e. specimens with small clots will be tested and results reported with a disclaimer that results may be affected, but specimens that are fully clotted cannot be counted).