Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 10

A synovial fluid sample delivered to the laboratory for a cell count is clotted.

a. What abnormal constituent is present in the fluid?

b. What type of tube should be sent to the laboratory for a cell count?

c. Could the original tube be used for a Gram stain and culture? Why or why not?

Step 1 of 4

Synovial fluid:

In synovial fluid, the most frequently performed cell count is White Blood Cell (WBC), and the Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts are not often requested.

• The count process in synovial fluid should be performed as soon as possible to prevent cellular degeneration, otherwise the specimen should be refrigerated