JOINT FLUID ANALYSIS
The joints in our body are covered with a thin membrane texture that surrounds the surface of cartilage tissue. This tissue is called synovial tissue. This membrane tissue is rich in vascular tissue, the task is to produce liquids and substances necessary for the joint, as well as to remove foreign substances in the joint. Due to the porous structure of the membrane, it is possible to switch between the vein structures and the joint.
Small amounts of fluid are present in the majority of our joints. This joint fluid has a clear, clear, light yellow color and a light-weight structure. The main task of the joint fluid is to help the cartilage tissue nourishment, joint lubrication, cleansing and defending.
After careful examination and joint ultrasound evaluation, if necessary, the joint fluid can be drained and examined with a needle. Emptying the joint fluid is sometimes diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic.
Joint fluid evaluation steps:
Appearance: Changes in the normal appearance of the joint fluid give us an idea of the disease. Normally, light yellow indicates that the thickening of the liquid, which should be, is a rheumatic condition. If a letter behind the liquid we have in the tube can read comfortably, it shows that the liquid is clear. If it is clear, blurred, it may suggest rheumatic or infectious diseases. Red kidney fluid suggests that you have an active bleeding for the joint.
Fluidity: We inject the injected fluid from the injector into the injector. We control the consistency of the liquid during this dripping. In rheumatoid joints, the consistency of fluid has decreased, becoming more fluid. In some diseases such as hypothyroidism and mucus cysts, this joint fluid becomes hard and its consistency increases.
Chemical Tests: In the so-called mucin-clot test, we may have information about the condition and severity of inflammation by adding a chemical substance to the liquid we have taken from a special cadaver.
Microscopic examination: It is recommended to examine the joints with a microscope. With the microscope, blood cells, cartilage fragments and some crystals, which should be present at certain ratios in the joint fluid, can be diagnosed. In general, crystals are very important in the diagnosis of some diseases. For example, in the diagnosis of gut disease, some crystals that we can see as a result of examining the joint fluid with a microscope are very important. It is certain that these crystals are visible. Calcium crystals can sometimes be seen in patients entering dialysis. The diagnosis of cholesterol crystals and particles called rice granules can also be understood microscopically.
Laboratory Examination: The amount of cells in the joint fluid is very important in the diagnosis of the disease, in determining the type of inflammation. Therefore, analysis of the joint fluid should be performed with simultaneous blood collection if possible. The increase or decrease in the amount of cells in the joint fluid tells us about the type of disease. Also, if infection is suspected, culture must definitely be made to know if it is a microbial disease.