Blood-tests Explained


Disclaimer:

This website is intended to assist with patient education and should not be used as a diagnostic, treatment or prescription service, forum or platform. Always consult your own healthcare practitioner for a more personalised and detailed opinion

Synovial Fluid Analysis


At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose the cause of joint inflammation, pain, and/or swelling

When to Get Tested?

When one or more of your joints are swollen, red, and/or painful

Sample Required?

A synovial fluid sample is obtained by inserting a needle into the space between the bones at a joint

Test Preparation Needed?

Consult with your healthcare provider; synovial fluid collection and analysis may be performed after fasting or at random.

The Test Sample

What is being tested?

Synovial fluid is a thick liquid that acts as a lubricant for the body's major joints. It is found in small quantities in the spaces between the joints, where the fluid is produced and contained by synovial membranes. Synovial fluid cushions bone ends and reduces friction during joint movement in the knees, shoulders, hips, hands, and feet.

Synovial fluid analysis consists of a group of tests that detect synovial fluid changes and may indicate the presence of diseases affecting joint structure and function. The analysis usually involves an initial basic set of tests, followed by additional tests selected based on the results of the first set of tests, the person's symptoms, and the disease that the healthcare practitioner suspects is causing the symptoms. Tests can be grouped according to:

  • Physical characteristics—an evaluation of the fluid's appearance
  • Chemical tests—detect changes in the fluid's chemical constituents 
  • Microscopic examination— cells and crystals that may be present are counted and identified by type under a microscope
  • Infectious disease tests—detect and identify microbes, if present

How is the sample collected for testing?

A sample of synovial fluid is collected from the affected joint with a syringe and needle using a procedure called an arthrocentesis.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

Consult with the healthcare provider about test preparation. Synovial fluid collection and analysis may be performed after fasting or at random.

The Test