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Crystal ID, body fluid-425

Test info

Test name:

Crystal ID, body fluid

Test number:

425

Excellian order number:

89060.0

Abbreviation:

XTL

Useful for:

To differentiate gout (sodium urate crystals) from pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystals). These crystals are detected by polarized light microscopy with the addition of a first order red compensator that alters the passage of light into slow and fast components. The line on the compensator shows the vibration direction of the slower component. Sodium urates can be present in gout. The calcium pyrophosphates can be present in pseudogout.

Specimen

Specimen type:

Body fluid

Volume:

2.0 mL

Minimum volume:

0.5 mL

Processing instructions:

Submit entire specimen

Transport container:

Falcon vial/tube - 15mL

Alternate collection instructions:

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

A sample with no preservative is preferred for the crystal ID, however, if both a cell count and crystal ID is ordered and there is not enough sample, both tests can be performed off of an EDTA tube.

Required forms/information:

Source

Transport and stability:

Refrigerated (strict) - 48 hrs

Reason for rejection:

Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
Clotted specimen
Delay in transport
Improper storage/transport temperature

Performance

Performing lab:

AHL - Hematology: H

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

1 day

Method:

Polarized microscopic examination

Clinical and Interpretive info

Reference ranges:

No crystals seen

Billing

CPT codes:

89060

Tracking

Date created:

11/30/2001

Revised date:

12/14/2020

Review date:

10/27/2021