Synovial Crystal exam by Rheumatology

Not under a PPMP CLIA Certificate.

We have one Rheumatology clinic who bought a microscope and they do look for crystals so they can look at the specimen that's sent to the lab (while the sample is fresh, and is not bounced round in transit). BUT they do not have a Certificate of Accreditation or COC so the medical record result is that of the lab.

Thanks for responding back. A colleague of mine currently has this situation and is wondering what she needs to do as far as competency and whether or not it's allowed. I know it's not PPM, but thought body fluids were high complexity.

I was just approached about this at my medical center.  In this situation, do the Physicians perform Competency and Proficiency Testing?  The lab will be performing and recording the result.

I have a Rheumatologist that performs crystal ID on synovial fluids, he completes all 6 methods of competencies, which I keep in his binder in the department.  And the test is orderable, which he results in EPIC, which includes a normal reference range.

Sue, the Rheumatologist is performing, interpreting, and reporting under the laboratory CLIA and accreditation? Or the Rheumatologist qualified as CLIA Lab Director and holds “his own” CLIA?

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Hi Peggy - Yes the Rheumatologist performs under our lab CLIA certificate since his office is at the same address.