title: Update on identification of pathogenic crystals in joint fluid.
abstract: Crystal identification in joint fluid has been an essential part of diagnosis of joint disease. Recent advances have included progress in crystal identification on stained slides, attention to aspiration techniques, and arthrocenteses of asymptomatic joints. Challenges remain to increase use and optimize techniques.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, 151K, University and Woodland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Lan X
authors.initials: LX
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Gilda
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Clayburne
authors.forename: H Ralph
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Schumacher
mesh_terms: D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate / Q000032:analysis; D003460:Crystallization; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014527:Uric Acid; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate