Synovial fluid:
Joint is aspirated. Used with caution – haemoarthrosis and infection is complication of procedure. Indicated for examination for infection, crystals and haemoarthrosis.
Joint aspiration is the insertion of a needle into a joint (arthrocentesis) and the withdrawal of its contents – used for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
Indicated for – diagnostic (infectious arthritis; inflammatory arthritis; crystal depositions diseases); decompression (infectious arthritis; haemoarthrosis; large effusions).
Contraindications – soft tissue infection in path of needle access; uncontrolled bleeding disorder.
Technique:
1) Aseptic scrub (eg povidine-iodine) and local anaesthesia
2) Usually done with 18 to 22 gauge 4 cm needle with a 10-30ml syringe
3) Sample different colour top sterile vacuum tubes for different analysis techniques – depends on laboratory’s preference.
Needs to be analysed ASAP – after 6 hours spurious results
We have not yet got to this page to finish it yet. We will eventually. Please contact us if you have something to contribute to it or sign up for our newsletter or like us on Facebook and Instagram or follow us on Twitter. |
Page last updated:
Comments are closed.