Sample type

Preferred Specimen:

Synovial Fluid in clean glass or plastic container with secure lid., (list exact site ex: Right Knee)

3 mL body fluid at 2-8°C. Do not freeze.

Also acceptable in order of preference: 

Liquid sodium heparin tube

liquid EDTA (Lavendar) tube

Unacceptable:

Tubes that contain lyophilized EDTA (or lyophilized anything else) as these tubes have the potential to form crystals that look like monosodium urate or calcium oxalate.