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Joint fluid Gram stain is a laboratory test to identify bacteria in a sample of joint fluid using a special series of stains (colors). The Gram stain method is one of the most commonly used methods to rapidly diagnose bacterial infections.
Alternative NamesGram stain of joint fluid
How the test is performedA sample of joint fluid is needed. For information on how this procedure is done, see joint fluid aspiration.
The fluid sample is sent to a lab where a small drop is placed in a very thin layer onto a microscope slide. This is called a smear. Several different colored stains are applied to the sample. The laboratory personnel will look at the stained smear under a microscope to see if bacteria are present. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the bacteria.
How to prepare for the testFor information on how to prepare for the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.
How the test will feelFor information on how it will feel when the joint fluid is removed, see joint fluid aspiration.
Why the test is performedThe test is performed when there is unexplained swelling, joint pain, and inflammation of a joint, or to check for suspected joint infection.
Normal ValuesA normal result means no bacteria are present on the gram stain.
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 mean bacteria were seen on the Gram stain. This may be a sign of a joint infection, for example, gonococcal arthritis or Arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus.
What the risks areThere is no risk to the patient associated with a Gram stain. For information regarding 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.
What else can I help you with?
What type of organism would you look for in a Gram stain of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a menin gococcal case?
In a Gram stain of blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a meningococcal case, you would look for Gram-negative diplococci, which are indicative of Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria are the causative agent of meningococcal disease. Their appearance in the Gram stain can help diagnose the infection.
What does the gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate?
The gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicates the presence of bacteria and helps to identify their morphology (shape and arrangement). This can provide valuable information for diagnosing bacterial meningitis or other bacterial infections in the central nervous system.
Can a Gram stain a prion?
Protists are often stained using a silver stain, not a Gram stain.
What is the gram stain of enterobacter cloacae?
Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram-negative bacterium. It will stain pink or red in a Gram stain procedure.
What does gram negative on a serratia marcescens gram stain mean?
Bacteria are gram positive or gram negative. Serratia happens to be a gram negative bacteria. They appear pink on a gram stain. Gram positive bacteria stain to a purple color on a gram stain. We can classify and ID bacteria using their gram stain and shape. Some antibiotics only work on gram negative bacteria and some only work on gram positive bacteria. It helps a doctor know which antibiotic to use.
What type of organism would you look for in a Gram stain of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a menin gococcal case?
In a Gram stain of blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a meningococcal case, you would look for Gram-negative diplococci, which are indicative of Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria are the causative agent of meningococcal disease. Their appearance in the Gram stain can help diagnose the infection.
Do acid-fast bacteria stain gram-negative when subjected to the gram stain?
No, acid-fast bacteria do not stain gram-negative when subjected to the gram stain.
What does the gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate?
The gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicates the presence of bacteria and helps to identify their morphology (shape and arrangement). This can provide valuable information for diagnosing bacterial meningitis or other bacterial infections in the central nervous system.
Theories of principle of gram stain reactions?
Gram stain
What is the gram stain for cholera?
Gram Negative
Can a Gram stain a prion?
Protists are often stained using a silver stain, not a Gram stain.
What is the gram stain of H5N1?
The Gram stain is used for bacteria and not for viruses.
What is the gram stain of enterobacter cloacae?
Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram-negative bacterium. It will stain pink or red in a Gram stain procedure.
What is the Gram stain for measles?
Bacteria stain either gram-positive or gram-negative based on the presence or absence of a cell wall. Viruses do not pick up a gram stain.
What is the counter or secondary stain used in the Gram stain procedure?
The counter or secondary stain used in the Gram stain procedure is safranin.
What gram stain is lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a virus. It does not have a gram stain characteristic.
Does yogurt stain gram positive or gram negative?
Yogurt contains mostly lactic acid bacteria, which are Gram-positive bacteria. This means they will stain purple under a Gram stain.
