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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CRYSTAL ANALYSIS, BODY FLUID

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2112    Geisinger Epic ID:  7684

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Synovial fluid. Indicate specimen source on label and requisition.


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

1 mL synovial fluid or tissue.


Special notes: 

Non-gel or non-anticoagulated tubes are acceptable; however, clotting is more likely.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do not centrifuge.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

2 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimen sent with needle or frozen. Specimens clotted or exceeding stability will be evaluated for specimen integrity.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  89060
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Crystal analysis, macroscopic examination


Methodology: 
Polarizing microscopy and color compensator
Synonyms: 

Crystal exam, SYNCRY, Identification, Polarizing


Clinical significance: 

Identification of crystals is used to diagnosis different clinical disorder such as urate gout (monosodium urate crystal), pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal), apatite gout, oxalate gout associated with renal disease, and cholesterol gout (associated with chronic effusions and rheumatoid arthritis).


Doctoral Director(s): 
Mary Dhesi MD
Review Date:  01/08/2025

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