Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Synovial fluid

Container/Tube: Green top (sodium heparin)

Note: Use of Gel tubes, EDTA, oxalate, or lithium heparin SHOULD NOT be used as anticoagulants since each may be associated with crystal formation.

Specimen Volume: 3-5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Aseptically collect specimen.
2. Invert several times to mix fluid.

3. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.