Test ID: SFC
Crystal Identification, Synovial Fluid
Method Description 
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Synovial fluid is anticoagulated with heparin or EDTA (not oxalate because calcium oxalate crystals form). 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.(Phelps P, Steele AD, MacCarty DJ Jr: Compensated polarized light microscopy. Identification of crystals in synovial fluids from gout and pseudo gout. JAMA 1968;203:508-512)
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
1 day
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
1 day
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
1 week
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Rochester
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