Synovial fluid in one 5 mL plain red top tube. Also acceptable: Lavender top tube (EDTA) or green top tube (heparin). Avoid submitting swabs, since recovery of crystals tends to be poor.
Handling:
Refrigerate and send to laboratory within 24 hours. Indicate source and any intra-articular medications.
Standard Volume:
3 mL synovial fluid.
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL synovial fluid.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
Includes examination for monosodium urate (uric acid) and calcium pyrophosphate (CPPD) crystals for diagnosis of gout and pseudo-gout. See also: Synovial Fluid Study, Complete (23300).