An excess of synovial fluid accumulates in joints for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to infection or the deposition of crystals in the tissues of the affected joint. Synovial fluid may be rich in proteins and this will cause the fluid to clot. Clotting of the specimen compromises cytologic examination (but not culture) and has to be prevented with an anti-coagulant.

Specimen Collection for Culture

1. Place the fluid in a sterile culture tube, keep at room temperature, and send to the laboratory promptly.
2. Do not add heparin or any fixative.
3. Keep the specimen at room temperature.

Specimen Collection for Crystal Examination

1. Collect the specimen in a green-top tube. (The green-top tube contains heparin, and this will prevent clotting). If you do not have a green-top tub, add 10 units of heparin for every 1 cc. of synovial fluid. (It is best to add an estimated amount of heparin to the tube before the specimen is collected. Agitate the tube to ensure uniform distribution of the heparin in the specimen).
2. Keep the specimen at room temperature.
3. Complete the Calpath cytology requisition form.

Specimen Collection for Cell Count

1. Collect the specimen in a green-top tube. (The green-top tube contains heparin, and this will prevent clotting). If you do not have a green-top tub, add 10 units of heparin for every 1 cc. of synovial fluid. (It is best to add an estimated amount of heparin to the tube before the specimen is collected. Agitate the tube to ensure uniform distribution of the heparin in the specimen).
2. Keep the specimen at room temperature.
3. Complete the Calpath cytology requisition form.

* Cell count and crystal examination can be ordered on the same specimen.

After collecting the specimen, please do the following:

• Place the specimen in the Calpath specimen bag.
• Place the requisition form in the side slot of the Calpath specimen bag.
• Call Calpath for a pickup or place the Calpath specimen bag in the location where our courier usually picks up your daily specimens.