In this section
We provide a comprehensive Synovial fluid analysis through which inflammatory arthropathies can be distinguished from non inflammatory arthropathies and in defining specific disorders within these two groups.
Synovial fluid analysis is also important in the diagnosis of early inflammatory disease where it might be possible to identify a specific arthropathy before the clinical syndrome develops.
Finally, it permits the very rapid diagnosis of joint disease, particularly in disorders such as septic arthritis.
Synovial fluid analysis consists of the following :
- White blood cell count
- Crystal identification
- Particle identification
- Differential white blood cell count
- Gram staining for the presence of Gram +ve/-ve bacteria.
Factors affecting performance
At least 300µl of sample is required for full analysis. Volumes less than this will have limited analysis. It is important to send the samples to the department as soon as possible, samples over 2 days old start to degenerate making analysis difficult and increasing the likelihood of an inadequate report being issued.
Synovial fluid sample collection
Paediatric Lithium Heparin bottle and Synovial request forms can be provided by the laboratory for sample collection upon request.
Please contact us on telephone numbers 0161 276 5115/5116/6727 for Lithium Heparin bottles and/or request forms.
For full analysis, at least 300 μl of Synovial fluid is required
Step 1: Once the identity of the patient has been confirmed, collect sample from site and expel all into Paediatric Lithium Heparin bottle.
Step 2: Mix thoroughly by gentle inversions.
Step 3: Label container according to specimen acceptance policy and dispose of materials used in collection according to your local policy
If sample is required for tests using other departments such as microbiology, extra samples need to be collected in the appropriate containers as the cytology sample will not be split.
(Last reviewed February 2025)