Synovial fluid, commonly known as joint fluid, is a viscous liquid that fills the spaces between your joints. As you move your joints, the fluid cushions the ends of the bones and reduces friction. Synovial fluid analysis is a series of tests that look for joint problems. Typical testing includes the following:
- An examination of the fluid's physical properties, such as color and thickness.
- Chemical tests detect changes in the fluid's chemical composition.
- Microscopic examination to detect crystals, germs, and other items.
Other names: joint fluid analysis
What are the uses of synovial fluid analysis?
A synovial fluid investigation can aid in diagnosing joint discomfort and inflammation. The body's response to damage or illness is inflammation. In the afflicted region, it can produce discomfort, swelling, redness, and loss of function. The following are some of the causes of joint pain:
- The most frequent kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is a chronic, progressive condition that causes the breakdown of joint cartilage. It can be uncomfortable and result in decreased movement and function.
- Gout- it is arthritis that produces inflammation in one or more joints, most often the big toe.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which the immune system of the body assaults healthy cells in the joints.
- Joint effusion- it is a condition that occurs when too much fluid accumulates around a joint. It frequently affects the knee. When it affects the knee, it's known as knee effusion or fluid on the knee.
- A joint infection
- Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder. Hemophilia is a hereditary bleeding condition that can result in excessive bleeding. Excess blood might sometimes end up in the synovial fluid.
What is the need for a synovial fluid analysis?
You might need this test if you have symptoms of a joint disorder. These include:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Redness at a joint
- Joint that feels warm to the touch
What happens during a synovial fluid analysis?
Your synovial fluid will be collected during an arthrocentesis technique, commonly known as joint aspiration. Throughout the procedure:
- A medical professional will clean the skin on and around the afflicted joint.
- The physician will administer an anesthetic and apply a numbing lotion to the skin to ensure that you are not in discomfort during the operation. If your child is having the operation, he or she may be given a sedative as well. Sedatives are medications that have a soothing effect and aid in reducing anxiety.
- After inserting the needle, your physician will remove a sample of synovial fluid and collect it in the needle's syringe.
- A tiny bandage will be applied to the area where the needle was placed by your physician.
- Normally, the operation takes less than two minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
Prior to the test, you may need to fast (not eat or drink ) for some hours. The doctor will tell you if you need to fast and if you need to follow any particular instructions.
Is there any risk in the test?
Your joint may be painful for a few days following the test. Severe problems, such as infection and bleeding, are possible but very rare.
What do the findings imply?
If your synovial fluid findings were abnormal, it could be due to one of the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
- Bleeding condition
- Bacterial contamination
Your specific findings will be determined by the anomalies discovered. If you have any concerns about your results, speak with your doctor.
Important information to know about a synovial fluid analysis?
Arthrocentesis, a treatment used to analyze synovial fluid, can also be performed to remove excess fluid from a joint. Typically, just a small quantity of synovial fluid exists between the joints. Extra fluid can build up in joints, causing discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation. This technique can assist with pain relief and other problems.
