Joint fluid microscopy & culture (arthritis gout crystals)

Notes

1. All joint aspirates are routinely examined microscopically for urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals
2. TB culture will be performed on request
3. Fluids taken as part of a prosthetic joint set are treated differently - see prosthetic joint/bone samples

Sample requirements

30mL sterile Universal

A minimum of 1 mL is required, but a larger volume is desirable if possible

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Recent, current and intended antibiotics

Storage/transport

Samples should be transported to the laboratory with minimal delay. Refrigerate samples if transport is delayed.

Turnaround time

Microscopy results on day of receipt

Culture results 2 – 3 days