BILE DRAINAGE FOR CRYSTAL ANALYSIS

Indications:

For the detection of crystals in biliary fluid

Specimen:

10 ml or more of collected bile drainage

Supplies:

Standard transcutaneous or endoscopic biliary drainage equipment

Clean plastic specimen container of an appropriate size.

Collection Procedure:

Using appropriate sterile technique collect as much bile drainage through the drainage apparatus as possible, into a clean plastic specimen container. FRESH WITHOUT FIXATIVE. DO NOT REFRIGERATE BILE FLUID SPECIMENS. Label the container with the correct patient information and submit the specimen and the completed request form to LMC.

TRANSPORT STAT TO LMC. BILE DRAINAGE FLUIDS FOR CRYSTAL ANALYSIS ARE PROCESSED IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT CRYSTAL DETERIORATION.

NOTE: Bile specimens will degenerate very rapidly due to enzymatic activity and bile salts. Bile crystals also degenerate fairly rapidly. Prompt processing and interpretation will help prevent errors in interpretation due to crystal degeneration.