Crystals (Synovial Fluid)
Uric acid crystals
Gout
Calcium pyrophosphate crystals
Pseudo Gout
Synovial fluid obtained by needle aspiration.
Collection into a heparinised tube will prevent clot formation in patients with inflammatory conditions.
Microbiology
Mon - Sun, 0800 - 2400
1 hr
Polarised light microscopy
Crystal analysis is routinely performed on all synovial fluids.
Processing available urgently as call out via Clinician request 2400-0800 hrs