Which crystal type is associated with gout?

Study for the Clinical Laboratory Science Test: Urinalysis and Body Fluids. Prepare with interactive questions, detailed explanations, and insightful feedback. Ace your examination!

Multiple Choice

Which crystal type is associated with gout?

Explanation:
Gout is defined by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints due to high uric acid levels. Under polarized light, these crystals are needle-shaped and negatively birefringent, meaning they appear blue when aligned with the slow optic axis and yellow when perpendicular. This combination of slender, needle-like appearance and negative birefringence is characteristic of monosodium urate crystals. Other crystal types produce different appearances: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals are rhomboid and positively birefringent (pseudogout), and cholesterol crystals are plate-like and non-birefringent. So the finding that matches gout best is monosodium urate crystals with needle shape and negative birefringence.

Gout is defined by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints due to high uric acid levels. Under polarized light, these crystals are needle-shaped and negatively birefringent, meaning they appear blue when aligned with the slow optic axis and yellow when perpendicular. This combination of slender, needle-like appearance and negative birefringence is characteristic of monosodium urate crystals. Other crystal types produce different appearances: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals are rhomboid and positively birefringent (pseudogout), and cholesterol crystals are plate-like and non-birefringent. So the finding that matches gout best is monosodium urate crystals with needle shape and negative birefringence.

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