Urate Crystal Identification

If gout is suspected, the tissue sample should be received in 100% alcohol or a sterile fresh.

Identifying the presence of urate crystals in tissue to aid in the diagnosis of gout.

All specimens must be labeled with two patient identifiers that can be linked to the requisition.

A paper or electronic requisition must accompany the specimen. Information on the requisition should include the following:
• Patient's name
• Birth date
• Billing instructions
• Specimen source
• Relevant patient history and procedure, to include a request for crystal identification
• Date and time of specimen collection
• Ordering physician's complete name

Ambient for samples in 100% alcohol.
Refrigerate fresh specimens if delivery is delayed.

Formalin should be avoided for tissues samples suspected for gout. Extended formalin fixation can dissolve urate crystals.