See Specimen Submission Instructions for test requisition, specimen labeling and specimen packaging requirements.

Specimen Requirements

Tissue submitted for gout must be placed in 100% reagent alcohol or submitted fresh to the pathology lab. Since reagent alcohol is not readily available in most locations the tissue should be submitted fresh in a tissue container and transported to pathology, being kept cool with wet ice (ice pack).

Do not use 10% buffered formalin! Fixatives, such as formalin, containing water will destroy the crystals.