Synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.
Alternative NamesJoint fluid analysis; Joint fluid aspiration
How the test is performedA sample of synovial fluid is needed for this test. Synovial fluid is normally a thick, straw-colored liquid found in small amounts in joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths.
After the area is cleaned, the health care provider will insert a sterile needle through the skin and into the joint space. Once in the joint, fluid is drawn through the needle into a sterile syringe.
The fluid sample is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory technician will check the sample's color and clarity, and then place it under a microscope to check it for red and white blood cells, crystals (in the case of gout), and bacteria. In addition, there may be a chemical analysis, and if infection is a concern, a sample will be cultured to see if any bacteria grow.
How to prepare for the testNormally, no special preparation is necessary, but contact your health care provider before the test to make sure. Tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, as they can affect test results.
How the test will feelOccasionally, the health care provider will first inject local anesthesia with a small needle, which will sting. The aspiration is done with a larger needle and may also cause some pain. The procedure usually lasts less than one minute.
Why the test is performedThe test can help diagnose the cause of pain or swelling in joints. Removing the fluid can also help relieve joint pain.
This test may be used to diagnose:
Abnormal joint fluid may look cloudy or abnormally thick.
Blood in the joint fluid may be a sign of injury inside the joint or a body-wide bleeding problem. An excess amount of normal synovial fluid can also be a sign of osteoarthritis.
What the risks areIce or cold packs may be applied to the joint for 24 to 36 hours after the test to reduce the swelling and joint pain. Depending on the exact problem, you can probably resume your normal activities after the procedure. Talk to your health care provider to determine what activity is most appropriate for you.
ReferencesKnight JA, Kjeldsberg CR. Cerebrospinal, synovial, and serous body fluids. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 28.
Synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine your joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.
Alternative NamesJoint fluid analysis; Joint fluid aspiration
How the test is performedA sample of synovial fluid is needed for this test. Synovial fluid is normally a thick, straw-colored liquid found in small amounts in joints, bursae (fluid-filled sacs in the joints), and tendon sheaths.
After the area is cleaned, the health care provider will insert a sterile needle through the skin and into the joint space. Once the needle is in the joint, fluid is drawn through it into a sterile syringe.
The fluid sample is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory technician will:
Normally, no special preparation is needed. Tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners, because they can affect test results or your ability to take the test.
How the test will feelSometimes, the health care provider will first inject numbing medicine into the skin with a small needle, which will sting. A larger needle will be used to draw out the joint fluid or synovial fluid.
This test may also cause some pain if the tip of the needle touches bone. The procedure usually lasts less than 1 to 2 minutes.
Why the test is performedThe test can help diagnose the cause of pain, redness, or swelling in joints.
Sometimes, removing the fluid can also help relieve joint pain.
This test may be used when your doctor suspects:
What abnormal results meanAbnormal joint fluid may look cloudy or abnormally thick.
Blood in the joint fluid may be a sign of injury inside the joint or a body-wide bleeding problem. An excess amount of normal synovial fluid can also be a sign of osteoarthritis.
What the risks areIce or cold packs may be applied to the joint for 24 to 36 hours after the test to reduce the swelling and joint pain. Depending on the exact problem, you can probably resume your normal activities after the procedure. Talk to your health care provider to determine what activity is most appropriate for you.
ReferencesEl-Gabalawy HS. Synovial fluid analysis, synovial biopsy, and synovial pathology. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr, et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 48.
Parrillo SJ, Marrison DS, Panacek EA. Arthrocentesis. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 53.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/04/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis
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.
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.
Te Synovial Membrane
The inner membrane of synovial joints is called the synovial membrane and secretes synovial fluid into the joint cavity.
synovial fluid
water :) i know, it's so simple&you thought it was more complicated. but yes, it's water. haha.
Synovial fluid is the fluid found in synovial joints, and is secreted by the synovial membrane. The shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle are synovial joints, as are metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.
Synovial fluidSynovial fluid is found in joint cavities.Synovial fluidIt is called synovial fluid.Synovial fluid. It has a, I THINK, I think, a point one coefficient of friction rating. .1 anyways, its one of the slipperiest natural substances known to man.Synovial fluidSynovial Fluid
Lubrication of the joint is probably the main purpose of synovial fluid.
Synovial fluid is a type of fluid that can be found in the body's joints. Information on synovial fluid can be found at medical websites including Web MB and Mayo Clinic.
Synovial fluid