Synovial fluid for crystal examination should be:
A) Stained with Wright's stain and examined with bright-field microscopy
B) Stained with methylene blue and examined under polarized light
C) Examined unstained under direct and red compensated polarized light
D) Examined unstained with phase microscopy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crystal examination in synovial fluid is best done using direct and red compensated polarized light without staining. This allows for the identification and characterization of different crystal types based on their birefringence properties. Staining can sometimes interfere with crystal identification, and the use of polarized light allows for increased sensitivity and specificity in crystal identification. Bright-field microscopy, methylene blue staining, and phase microscopy are not commonly used methods for crystal examination in synovial fluid.

Synovial Fluid for Crystal Examination Should Be