Synovial Fluid Interpretation

Question 1

Normal

Answer 1

Clear fluid
Low WCC (<200)
Low neutrophils

Question 2

Non inflammatory arthritis

Answer 2

Clear/yellow 
Moderate WCC (<2000) 
Low neutrophils (<25)

Question 3

Inflammatory arthritis

Answer 3

Clear/cloudy yellow 
High WCC (>2000)
Moderate neutrophils (<50%)

Question 4

Septic arthritis

Answer 4

Opaque
Extremely high WCC (>20,000)
High neutrophils (>75%)

Question 5

Additional tests

Answer 5

Culture- grow bacteria

Crystals- negatively bifringement needles (gout)
- positively bifringement rhomboid (pseudo gout)