Synovial Fluid Tests

摘要

Infection, crystal arthropathies, osteoarthritis, trauma and a variety of systemic diseases can create a painful, swollen peripheral joint of which septic arthritis is the most serious cause. Synovial fluid analysis is widely used to aid the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic arthritis, and can be diagnostic in patients with bacterial infections or crystal-induced synovitis. Synovial fluid (SF) analysis is widely used to aid the diagnosis and management of both acute and chronic arthritis, and can be diagnostic in patients with bacterial infections or crystal-induced synovitis. This article will focus on synovial fluid; the indications for aspiration of a joint; the characteristics and components of the SF; and the current UK recommendations for SF analysis.