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Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Synovial Fluid Analysis

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SFA

Description

"Synovial Fluid Analysis" examines fluid from inside a joint to help diagnose conditions like arthritis, gout, or joint infections. Doctors perform this test when symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, or stiffness appear. The fluid is analyzed for color, white blood cell count, crystals, or bacteria. Results help confirm inflammation, infection, or crystal buildup. Based on findings, doctors can tailor treatment—such as medications or drainage—and track progress. Ongoing monitoring supports joint health and long-term symptom relief.

"Synovial Fluid Analysis" examines fluid from inside a joint to help diagnose conditions like arthritis, gout, or joint infections. Doctors perform this test when symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, or stiffness appear. The fluid is analyzed for color, white blood cell count, crystals, or bacteria. Results help confirm inflammation, infection, or crystal buildup. Based on findings, doctors can tailor treatment—such as medications or drainage—and track progress. Ongoing monitoring supports joint health and long-term symptom relief.

Test Category

Joint Function

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Fluid

Units

Not Applicable

Procedure Category

Extract, Assess

Test Group

Chronic Illness Group

Test Group Description

Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Ankylosing spondylitis (Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints)

  • Calcium-pyrophosphate deposition disease (Arthritis caused by calcium crystal deposits in the joints)

  • Crystal-induced arthritis (Joint inflammation due to crystal deposits, such as hydroxyapatite or calcium pyrophosphate crystals)

  • Dislocations

  • Fractures...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Joint Disease Diagnosis: Analyzes synovial fluid to diagnose conditions such as arthritis, gout, or infection, informing treatment decisions.

  • Crystal Identification: Detects urate or calcium pyrophosphate crystals, aiding in the diagnosis of gout or pseudogout.

  • Infection Screening: Identifies microbial pathogens to diagnose and treat septic arthritis or other joint infections.

  • Inflammatory Marker Measurement: Evaluates markers like white blood cell count and CRP to assess joint inflammation and disease activity.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Schumacher HR Jr. Synovial fluid analysis: a critical diagnostic tool. Baillière's Clinical Rheumatology. 1994;8(3):731-754.

[2] Pascual E, Jovaní V. Synovial fluid analysis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2005;19(3):371-386.

[3] Swan A, Amer H, Dieppe P. The value of synovial fluid assays in the diagnosis of joint disease: a literature survey. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002;61(6):493-498.

[4] Kraus VB. Synovial fluid analysis and biomarkers in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2014;22(5):1700-1705.

[5] Punzi L, Oliviero F. Arthrocentesis and synovial fluid analysis in clinical practice: value of sonography-guided procedures. Reumatismo. 2014;66(2):138-149.

[6] Banal F, Dougados M, Combescure C, et al. Sensitivity and specificity of synovial fluid analysis for the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthritis: a systematic literature review. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(4):587-592.

[7] McCarty DJ. Synovial fluid. In: Koopman WJ, ed. Arthritis and Allied Conditions: A Textbook of Rheumatology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1993:89-110.

[8] Klein DM, Schumacher HR Jr. Synovial fluid analysis: a study of its usefulness and application in community practice. Arthritis Rheum. 1990;33(6):802-809.

[9] Gatter RA, Schumacher HR Jr. Synovial fluid analysis in the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoarthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2003;29(4):779-792.

[10] Liang MH, Katz JN, Fossel AH, et al. The value of synovial fluid analysis in the evaluation of knee pain: a prospective study of 100 patients. J Rheumatol. 1996;23(9):1601-1607.

[11] Pascual E, Sivera F. Synovial fluid analysis for crystals. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2007;19(2):158-163.

[12] McGill NW. Synovial fluid analysis in the diagnosis of joint disease. Pathology. 1997;29(2):142-152.

[13] Martinez N, Garcia A. Emerging technologies in synovial fluid analysis for rheumatologic diseases. Clin Rheumatol. 2018;37(5):1309-1316.

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