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Medical Tests

Medical Tests
Information on medical tests, including how to prepare, what to expect, and what the results mean.


Joint Fluid Analysis

Joint Fluid Analysis

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 inflammation, infection, gout, pseudogout, or bleeding.


Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Last Updated: June 12, 2008
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
Results
What Affects the Test
What To Think About
References
Credits