Pregnancy SmartSiteTM

Skip Navigation Schedule An Appointment

Normal Pregnancy

Staying Healthy

Alcohol and pregnancy Managing your weight gain in pregnancy Steps to take before you get pregnant When you need to gain more weight during pregnancy

What to expect during pregnancy

Aches and pains during pregnancy Choosing the right practitioner Common symptoms during pregnancy Hyperemesis Gravidarum Morning sickness Pregnancy and travel Pregnancy and work Problems sleeping during pregnancy Skin and hair changes during pregnancy Teenage pregnancy

Preparing to go home with your baby

Cribs and crib safety Eat right during pregnancy Preparing your other children

Visits and Tests

Amniocentesis Chorionic villus sampling Genetic counseling before pregnancy Glucose tolerance test-pregnancy Monitoring your baby before labor Nuchal translucency Prenatal care in your first trimester Prenatal care in your second trimester Prenatal care in your third trimester

Synovial fluid analysis

Definition

Synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.

How the Test is Performed

A sample of synovial fluid is needed for this test. Synovial fluid is normally a thick, straw-colored liquid found in small amounts in joints.

After the skin around the joint is cleaned, the health care provider inserts a sterile needle through the skin and into the joint space. Fluid is then drawn through the needle into a sterile syringe.

The fluid sample is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory technician:

  • Checks the sample's color and how clear it is
  • Places the sample under a microscope, counts the number of red and white blood cells, and looks for crystals (in the case of gout) or bacteria
  • Measures glucose, protein, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels
  • Cultures the fluid to see if any bacteria grow

    • How to Prepare for the Test

    Normally, no special preparation is needed. Tell your provider if you are taking a blood thinner, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix). These medicines can affect test results or your ability to have this test.

    How the Test will Feel

    Most often, the provider will first inject numbing medicine into the skin with a small needle, which will sting. A larger needle is then used to draw out the synovial fluid.

    This test may also cause some discomfort if the tip of the needle touches bone. The procedure usually lasts less than 1 to 2 minutes. It may be longer if there is a large amount of fluid that needs to be removed.

    Why the Test is Performed

    The 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 provider suspects:

  • Bleeding in the joint after a joint injury
  • , other types of crystal disease, and arthritis
  • Infection in a joint

    • What Abnormal Results Mean

    Abnormal joint fluid may look cloudy or abnormally thick.

    The following found in joint fluid can be a sign of a health problem:

  • Blood -- injury in the joint or bleeding problem of the body
  • Pus -- infection in the joint
  • Too much joint fluid -- or cartilage, ligament, or meniscus injury
  • Evidence of gout or pseudogout -- inflammatory conditions that can be treated with medicines

    • Risks

    Risks of this test include:

  • Infection of the joint -- unusual, but more common with repeated aspirations
  • Bleeding into the joint space

    • Considerations

    Ice 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 provider to determine what activity is most appropriate for you.

    References

    El-Gabalawy HS, Tanner S. Synovial fluid analyses, synovial biopsy, and synovial pathology. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 56.

    Pisetsky DS. Laboratory testing in the rheumatic diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 242.

    Schedule An Appointment

    Contact Atlanta Obsetrics and Gynaecology at The Womens Center Millennium Hospital - 404-ATL-BABY

    GO

    Review Date: 4/24/2023

    Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.