Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Plain plastic (Red or white top) tube without additive (1-3 ml) 
Specimen Type: Synovial fluid
Preferred Volume: 2 mL
Emergency Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
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. Note on requisition whether patient has previously been given cortocosteroid injections in the joint or tissue area. Cortisone acetate crystals can appear in the fluid and tissue for weeks after injection.

Stability: