Synovial Fluid

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code	ASP
Synonyms	Joint fluid Crystal examination Bi-refringent crystals Gout/pseudogout
Base Lab Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Hawera Lab Availability	Monday - Friday, 8am to 4 30pm
Turnaround Time	Cell count 1 hour (performed at Base and Hawera Hospital - sent on to Base for Gram, culture etc) Gram stain 1 hour (performed at Base Hospital) Culture 1-7 days (performed at Base Hospital) 14 days for shoulder joints
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Aspirated fluid
Preferred	Aspirated fluid in a sterile pottle PLUS anticoagulated tube if possible (purple top EDTA) Aspirate in capped syringe
Accepted
Unacceptable	Unable to perform cell count on clotted specimens. Do not send syringe with attached needle.
Specimen Transportation	ASAP to laboratory at room temperature.
Paediatric Requirements	Aspirated fluid in a sterile pottle PLUS anticoagulated tube (purple top EDTA) if possible Aspirate in capped syringe
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.

Owner	Melanie Williams (Williams1)
Last reviewed	09.10.2025
Next review	09.10.2026 (Due soon)