synovialFluidAnalysis
Reviewed
Also called: Synovial Fluid Analysis, Joint Fluid Analysis, Arthrocentesis
A synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that looks for changes in your synovial fluid. These tests check for the cause of pain and swelling in your joints.
Specimen: synovial fluid (joint fluid)
Why this test may be ordered
- Joint pain with a fever
- Joint swelling
- Redness over the joint
- A joint that feels warm to the touch
- Difficulty bending a joint
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Tell your provider if you are taking any blood thinner medicines.
Your synovial fluid will be collected in a procedure called arthrocentesis, also known as joint aspiration. The procedure usually takes less than two minutes.
Your joint may be sore for a couple of days after the procedure. Serious complications, such as infection and bleeding may happen, but are uncommon. Let your provider know if you have increased redness, swelling, or pain at the joint.
Understanding results
To understand the results of a synovial fluid analysis, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests.
- Normal synovial fluid: Synovial fluid is usually light yellow, clear, and a little sticky or stringy. Limitation: To understand the results of a synovial fluid analysis, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Abnormal synovial fluid (cloudy, thicker or thinner than normal): If your results show your synovial fluid was not normal, it may be a sign of one of the following conditions: a type of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, a bleeding disorder, a bacterial infection. Limitation: Your specific results will depend on what abnormalities were found. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- The source does not provide specific reference intervals, units, or performing laboratory details.
- Interpretation requires correlation with symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
- Serious complications from the procedure are uncommon but possible.
What to do next
Your specific results will depend on what abnormalities were found. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- What do my specific results mean for my joint symptoms?
- Do I need any other tests to confirm a diagnosis?
- What are the next steps based on my results?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.