Intro to Rheumatology

Question 1

What are the hallmarks/characteristics of normal joint fluid?

Answer 1

• High viscosity.
• Clear color/Transparent clarity.
• 200 WBC/mm
• PMN

Question 2

What are the hallmarks/characteristics of Group 1 (noninflammatory) joint fluid?

Answer 2

• High viscosity
• Xanthocromic color/Transparent clarity
• 200-2,000 WBC/mm
• PMN

Question 3

What are the hallmarks/characteristics of Group II (inflammatory) joint fluid?

Answer 3

• Low viscosity
• Xanthochromic to Opalescent color/Opaque clarity
• 2,000 or greater WBC/mm
• PMN>50%, negative culture

Question 4

What are the hallmarks/characteristics of Group III (Septic) joint fluid?

Answer 4

-Variable viscosity
-Variable color, opaque clarity
->50,000 WBC/mm
PMN>75% with positive culture