We perform manual body fluid crystal analysis using the polarizer on our scopes.  We are having a terrible time pleasing our Orthopedic doctors. They question our results frequently and we are doing a ton of corrected reports. We currently require two techs to review each slide before resulting.  Does anyone know of a better method or some good training material?  This has been a problem for us for many years.

 

For starters, we happen to use body fluid cell count controls from Streck (Cell-Chex), that include three vials -- one with no crystals, one with Ca Pyrophosphate, and one with Uric Acid.  (Of course, they also have RBC and WBCs).  Documenting that the tech ran these for QC should help, and you can also use them for documenting proficiencies.  As for the proper use of a full-wave plate, if that is an issue, it can be a bit daunting and you should have a well-written procedure for that.

Scott

I recommend concentrating your fluids for crystal analysis if none are seen on the straight sample.  We make one Cytospin slide with hyaluronidase for staining and one without hyaluronidase for crystal checks.