These spiked rods are uric acid crystals photographed under
polarized light. Increased uric acid blood levels and formation of
uric acid crystals in the joints are associated with gout.
Review Date: 05/30/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
