Joint fluid analysis is a set of tests that analyze the synovial fluid and help diagnose and treat joint disorders.
Joint fluid is a normal collection of lubricating fluid inside the joint area. It acts as a source of nutrition for the surrounding structures, including the cartilage. The synovial fluid is a ultrafiltrate of the blood plasma and consists mainly of proteoglycans, lubricin, hyaluronic acid, and phospholipids.
Physiological changes in the volume and composition of synovial fluid occur in response to trauma, inflammation, and the entry of microbes, fungi, or viruses. When patients present with acute painful joints with suspected infection, inflammation or non-inflammatory cause of effusion, aspiration and analysis of synovial fluid is imperative for diagnosis but also as an immediate method of treatment.
Joint fluid analysis can help diagnose the cause of joint inflammation, pain, swelling, and fluid retention. Pathological conditions that affect one or more joints and synovial fluid can be divided into four main categories:
- Infections that caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. They can come from the joint or spread there from other parts of the body. These conditions include acute and chronic septic arthritis.
- Bleeding due to bleeding disorders and/or injury of the joints may lead to the presence of blood in the synovial fluid. Such conditions are common in patients with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Inflammatory diseases.
- Conditions that cause the formation and accumulation of crystals such as gout (uric acid crystals) and pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystals).
- Conditions that cause inflammation of the joints due to immune responses include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.
- Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
