Synovial fluid

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code	ASP
Synonyms	Crystals - Synovial Fluid  Bi-refringent crystals Cell count Crystal examination Gout Pseudogout Quantitative cell count
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	Cell count/Gram stain - 1 hr Culture 1-7 days 14 days for shoulder joints
Stability - Add time
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Aspirate in capped syringe Aspirated fluid split into a sterile tube or pottle and anticoagulated tube (purple top EDTA)
Preferred
Accepted
Unacceptable	Do not send syringe with attached needles.
Specimen Transportation	ASAP to lab
Paediatric Requirements	Aspirate in capped syringe Aspirated fluid split into a sterile tube or pottle and anticoagulated tube (purple top EDTA)
Aliquot Requirements
Sample
Preferred Aliquot
Minimum Aliquot
Transportation
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals
Test Method	Microscopy and culture
Advanced Notice	Not required but necessary if required urgently
Patient Preparation	Not Required
Comments
Use protective cap on syringes or deliver sample in person.