Tophus: Difference between revisions
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==Preparation== | ==Preparation== | ||
A tophus specimen should be sent '''dry''' to the pathology department, and '''not''' be put in formalin.<ref group=notes>Formalin dissolves the crystals.</ref> A touch prep can be done initially, and at least if urate crystals | A tophus specimen should be sent '''dry''' to the pathology department, and '''not''' be put in formalin.<ref group=notes name=dissolves>Formalin dissolves the crystals.</ref> A touch prep can be done initially, and at least if urate crystals are not initially detected, the specimen is submitted in 100% alcohol for microscopy evaluation.<ref group=notes name=dissolves/> | ||
==Microscopy evaluation== | ==Microscopy evaluation== | ||
On a touch prep, look for needle-shaped crystals of urate. On polarized light, these will have negative birefriengence. | |||
<gallery mode=packed> | <gallery mode=packed> | ||
File:Light microscopy of a touch preparation of a gout tophus, showing urate crystals.jpg|thumb|Light microscopy of a touch preparation of a gout tophus, showing needle shaped crystals | File:Light microscopy of a touch preparation of a gout tophus, showing urate crystals.jpg|thumb|Light microscopy of a touch preparation of a gout tophus, showing needle shaped crystals | ||