Joint Fluid Analysis
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Test Overview
Joint fluid analysis is a test to look at joint fluid under a microscope for problems such as infection, gout, pseudogout, inflammation, or bleeding. The test can help find the cause of joint pain or swelling.
Normally, only a small amount of joint fluid is found in a joint. Joint fluid acts as a lubricant for the joint and cushions joint structures. If you have a joint problem, you may have more fluid in your joint and your joint may become swollen, stiff, and painful.
A sample of joint fluid can be taken from any joint in your body. The joint fluid is then analyzed in a lab to look for a bacterial infection, gout, pseudogout, or bleeding.
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| Last updated: | June 16, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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