Joint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing organisms in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.
Alternative NamesJoint fluid culture
How the test is performedA sample of joint fluid is needed. This may be done in a doctor's office using a needle, or during an operating room procedure. For more information on this procedure, see joint fluid aspiration.
The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow. This is called a culture.
If such microorganisms are detected, other tests may be done to further identify the infection-causing substance and determine the best treatment.
How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation needed for the lab culture. For information on preparing for the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.
How the test will feelThe joint fluid culture is done in a laboratory and does not involve the patient.
For information on how the procedure to remove joint fluid feels, see joint fluid aspiration.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have unexplained pain and inflammation of a joint or a suspected joint infection.
Normal ValuesThe test result is considered normal if no organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) grow in the laboratory dish.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results are a sign of infection in the joint. Infections may include:
What the risks areThere are no risks to the patient associated with a lab culture. For risks related to the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.
ReferencesEspinoza LR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 293.
Ohl CA. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009:chap 102.
Joint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing organisms in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.
Alternative NamesJoint fluid culture
How the test is performedA sample of joint fluid is needed. This may be done in a doctor's office using a needle, or during an operating room procedure. For more information on this procedure, see joint fluid aspiration.
The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow. This is called a culture.
If such microorganisms are detected, other tests may be done to further identify the infection-causing substance and determine the best treatment.
How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation needed for the lab culture. For information on preparing for the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.
How the test will feelThe joint fluid culture is done in a laboratory and does not involve the patient.
For information on how the procedure to remove joint fluid feels, see joint fluid aspiration.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have unexplained pain and inflammation of a joint or a suspected joint infection.
Normal ValuesThe test result is considered normal if no organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) grow in the laboratory dish.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results are a sign of infection in the joint. Infections may include:
There are no risks to the patient associated with a lab culture. For risks related to the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.
ReferencesEspinoza LR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 293.
Ohl CA. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009:chap 102.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/06/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Arthrocentesis...arthro means joint, and centesis is the removal of fluid from a joint. :-D
Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure used to assess joint-related abnormalities, such as in the knee or elbow.passing a needle into a joint space and sucking out (aspirating) synovial fluid for diagnostic analysis. When the sample is sent to the laboratory, the fluid is analyzed for color, clarity, quantity, and chemical composition.
In most cases, the fluid will not be clear.
The procedure in which synovial fluid is removed for analysis is called arthrocentesis or joint aspiration. It involves using a needle and syringe to extract a small amount of synovial fluid from the joint space. The collected fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to diagnose and monitor various joint conditions or diseases.
Synovial fluid is the fluid found within synovial joints. It acts as a cushion to the joint. The synovial membrane secretes this fluid as a response to trauma, as it adds extra cushioning. in addition to this, the fluid reduces friction between the articular cartilage which coats the end of bones within a joint.
It is the fluid "Sinovial" that is in every joint, its purpose is lubrication.
Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis
A fluid called synovial fluid lubricates the joint when it is moved.
Arthrocentesis...arthro means joint, and centesis is the removal of fluid from a joint. :-D
Arthrocentesis is the medical term meaning aspiration of fluid from a joint.
All joints have a membrane called the synovial membrane. It contains synovial fluid; therefore, all joints contain a fluid.synovial Joint
Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure used to assess joint-related abnormalities, such as in the knee or elbow.passing a needle into a joint space and sucking out (aspirating) synovial fluid for diagnostic analysis. When the sample is sent to the laboratory, the fluid is analyzed for color, clarity, quantity, and chemical composition.
The medical term for the removal of fluid from the knee joint is arthrocentesis or joint aspiration. It is a procedure performed to relieve pain and swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in the knee joint.
joint fluid
The Synovial membrane surrounds movable joints and secretes a fluid "synovial fluid" that acts as a lubricant for the joint surfaces.
The Joint Cavity is the space or scientifically a 'potential' space filled with synovial fluid. The function of this fuild is to reduce friction by lubricationg the joint.
to identify the cause of swelling in the joints, to relieve pain and distention from fluid accumulation in the joint, and to diagnose certain types of arthritis and inflammatory joint diseases