Specimen Requirements

Submit 1 of the following specimens (MUST arrive within 24 hours of collection):
 

Specimen Type: Fluid or fresh tissue

Container/Tube:

Fluid:  Sodium Heparin without gel or other sterile container. Swabs unacceptable

Tissue:  Sterile container for crystals only. (If physician suspects gout, it should be not be put in formalin as it will remove crystals from the tissue

Specimen Volume: 2 mL (fluid)

Specimen Minimum Volume:  0.5mL (fluid)

Additional Instructions:

1. If specimen is not submitted the same day of collection, send specimen refrigerated.

2. If submitting tissue, DO NOT PLACE IN FORMALIN.

3. If a tissue culture is requested along with the tissue crystals, it is preferred that the specimen is split, one sample in sterile container for culture, the other in a sterile container for crystals.

4. Tissue specimens are to be sent to Pathology for evaluation.