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HelpMayo Test ID CRSBF Crystal Identification, Body Fluid
Specimen Required
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Synovial Fluid, Prosthetic Joint Fluid
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Green top (heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Type: Bile Fluid
Container/Tube: Red top
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
Container/Tube: Body fluid container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Type: Pleural Fluid, Peritoneal Fluid, Pericardial fluid
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Body fluid container
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or Green top (heparin)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Useful For
Identifying the presence and type of crystals in body fluid
Method Name
Compensated Polarized Light Microscopy
Reporting Name
Crystal ID, BFSpecimen Type
Body FluidSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fluid | Refrigerated (preferred) | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours | ||
| Frozen | |||
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.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.
Reference Values
None seen
If present, crystals are identified.
Interpretation
Positive identification of crystals provides a definitive diagnosis for joint disease.
Cautions
Powdered anticoagulants such as oxalate are themselves crystalline or may cause crystals to form; their use may cause false-positive results or mask the presence of synovial fluid crystals definitive for the disease.
Clinical Reference
Hussong JW, Kjeldsberg CR, eds: Kjeldsberg's Body Fluid Analysis. ASCP Press; 2015
Method Description
The specimen is examined with a polarizing microscope with and without a first-order red compensator. Cholesterol crystals appear as bright, square or rectangular plates. Pyrophosphate crystals, rhomboidal, are weakly birefringent. Urate crystals are mainly needle-shaped and strongly doubly refractile; they may be found within leukocytes.(Hussong JW, Sorensen E, Perkins SL, et al: Laboratory methods. In: Hussong JW, Kjeldsberg CR, eds. Kjeldsberg's Body Fluid Analysis. ASCP; 2015:chap 2)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
1 daySpecimen Retention Time
1 weekPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CRSBF | Crystal ID, BF | 6825-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CRYFT | Fluid Type | 14725-6 |
| CRYID | Crystal ID | 6825-4 |
| CRYCM | Comment | 77202-0 |