A crystal with long, thin, needlelike, pointed ends is identified in synovial fluid. The crystals are located inside and outside the cells. A quartz compensator is used, and it determines that the crystals are negatively birefringent and are a yellow color when parallel to the axis of the compensator. The crystal is blue when turned perpendicular to the axis of the compensator. What is the type of crystal?
A) Monosodium urate
B) Calcium pyrophosphate
C) Cholesterol crystals
D) Pseudogout

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The description of long, thin, needlelike, pointed ends crystals that are negatively birefringent and turn a yellow color when parallel to the axis of the compensator indicates monosodium urate crystals. These are characteristic of gout.

A Crystal with Long, Thin, Needlelike, Pointed Ends Is Identified