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Culture - joint fluid

Joint fluid culture

 

Joint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing organisms in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.

How the Test is Performed

 

A sample of joint fluid is needed. This may be done in a doctor's office using a needle, or during an operating room procedure. Removing the sample is called joint fluid aspiration .

The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow. This is called a culture.

If these germs are detected, other tests may be done to further identify the infection-causing substance and determine the best treatment.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

There is no special preparation needed for the lab culture. How to prepare for the removal of joint fluid .

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The joint fluid culture is done in a laboratory and does not involve the person.

For information on how the procedure to remove joint fluid feels, see joint fluid aspiration .

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Your doctor may order this test if you have unexplained pain and inflammation of a joint or a suspected joint infection.

 

Normal Results

 

The test result is considered normal if no organisms (bacteria, fungi, or viruses) grow in the laboratory dish.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results are a sign of infection in the joint. Infections may include:

  • Bacterial arthritis
  • Fungal arthritis
  • Gonococcal arthritis
  • Turberculous arthritis

 

Risks

 

There are no risks to the patient associated with a lab culture. For risks related to the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration .

 

 

Open References

References

Matteson EL, Osmon DR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 280.

Ohl CA, Forster D. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglass, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 105.

 
  • Joint aspiration

    Joint aspiration - illustration

    Synovial fluid analysis is a series of tests performed on synovial (joint) fluid to help diagnose and treat joint-related abnormalities. To obtain a synovial fluid sample, a needle is inserted into the knee between the joint space. When the needle is in place the synovial fluid is then withdrawn. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

    Joint aspiration

    illustration

    • Joint aspiration

      Joint aspiration - illustration

      Synovial fluid analysis is a series of tests performed on synovial (joint) fluid to help diagnose and treat joint-related abnormalities. To obtain a synovial fluid sample, a needle is inserted into the knee between the joint space. When the needle is in place the synovial fluid is then withdrawn. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

      Joint aspiration

      illustration

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          Tests for Culture - joint fluid

           
           

          Review Date: 11/24/2014

          Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Lutherville Personal Physicians, Lutherville, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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