The analysis of synovial fluid, also known as arthrocentesis, involves extracting fluid from a joint using a needle. This procedure can help diagnose various conditions based on the fluid's appearance, cell count, and the presence of crystals or microorganisms. Key aspects analyzed include:
- Color and Clarity: Normal synovial fluid is clear and pale yellow. Cloudy or bloody fluid can indicate infection or trauma. - Viscosity: Normal synovial fluid is viscous, while decreased viscosity can indicate inflammation. - Cell Count: A high white blood cell count can indicate infection or inflammation. - Microbial Culture: This helps identify bacterial infections like septic arthritis.
