Synovial Fluid for Crystals Test

Synovial fluid or Synovia is present in the cavities of the synovial joints. This milky fluid acts as a lubricant between the articular cartilage and the synovial joint and allows easy movement of the joint. Synovial fluid is analysed for needle like uric acid crystals. Persons with acute joint inflammation, swelling, pain and discomfort, redness and fluid accumulation need to undergo this test. The test proves to be effective in knowing the cause behind the known and unknown joint problems. Gout patients have high uric acid level and this affects the joints. Joint fluid with crystals is either monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM) or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD).

Visit the orthopaedic doctor if you face difficulty in moving the joints or experience severe pain in the joints. The doctor after physical examination will order the synovial fluid analysis and culture. Discuss your medical condition and current medication. The doctor will instruct you to discontinue taking blood thinners because it affects the analysis report.

The result of the synovial fluid analysis helps to know the cause of distress in the synovial joints which could be chronic septic arthritis, gout, autoimmune disorders, bleeding disorders or degeneration. Normal synovial fluid appears milky, sticky and clear. Abnormal synovial fluid appears thicker or thinner than normal. Cloudiness in the fluid is noticed which is due to uric acid crystals, microorganisms and excess white blood cells. Gout patients have cloudy synovial fluid. Less sticky fluid indicates joint inflammation and fluid accumulation means osteoarthritis. Bleeding disorder like haemophilia causes reddish fluid indicating presence of blood.

The sample synovial fluid is usually extracted at the orthopaedic doctor’s clinic by the doctor. The procedure lasts a few minutes and may feel a bit uncomfortable. An alcohol based antiseptic is applied in the joint area for injections. Local anaesthesia may be administered to minimise pain. Once you experience numbness in the joint area, the doctor will gently push a needle into the synovial joint to extract the synovial fluid. This process of removing sample synovial fluid is known as arthrocentesis. The synovial fluid is examined and analysed in the laboratory under a microscope. Colour, thickness, bacterial infection and red and white blood cells are examined. Most importantly, uric acid deposits in the form of crystal needles are checked for. Other elements like glucose, uric acid, proteins and lactic dehydrogenase are also tested. Ice pack is applied after the sample collection to soothe soreness or stiffness due to injections.