title: Current trends in crystal identification.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review is an attempt to keep current in the sparse literature addressing the still underutilized area of crystal identification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The emphasis has been on the subtleties of the microscopic identification of common crystals and other less common potentially confusing crystals. Imaging is noted to provide increasing help, but microscopic crystal identification remains the gold standard.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quality control is still a concern as is the infrequency of attempted arthrocentesis for crystal identification.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, Rheumatology Research 151K, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Lan X
authors.initials: LX
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: H Ralph
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Schumacher
mesh_terms: D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006073:Gout / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; C494369:calcium phosphate, dihydrate; D014527:Uric Acid