Houston Medical Center Home
  • About our Organization
  • Commitment to Quality
  • Services
  • Health Information
  • Patient Information
  • Patient Financial Services
  • Careers & Benefits
  • Community Education
  • Physician Directory
  • Online Nursery
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • HHC Access

Health News Health Library Health Topics Healthy Living
Today's Headlines    Health Alerts    Health News Feature    Future of Medicine
Health Observances    Product Recalls
Illnesses & Conditions    Drug Guide    FDA Drug Approvals    Medical Tests    
Self-Help Resources
   Complementary Medicine    Medline Search
Allergies    Asthma    Back Pain    Cancer    Caregiver    Depression    Diabetes
Digestive Disorders    Heart Disease    Kidney Disease
Men's Health
   Pregnancy    Senior's Health    Stress    Stroke    Women's Health
Fitness   Nutrition   Mind & Body   Family & Home





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

© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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


 
© 2007 Houston Healthcare Inc., All Rights Reserved. Design and Hosting: 3W Studios