| Headline |
|
| Indication |
|
| Contraindication |
|
| Kit |
|
| Technique/landmark |
|
| Ongoing management |
|
| Type |
Colour & Clarity |
WBCs (cells/mm3) |
Neutrophils (%) |
Viscosity |
Crystals |
Culture |
| Normal |
Clear colourless |
< 200 |
< 25 |
High |
Neg |
Neg |
| Non-inflammatory e.g. Osteoarthritis |
Clear yellow |
200 - 2000 |
< 25 |
High |
Neg |
Neg |
| Inflammatory (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis) |
Cloudy yellow |
2000 - 50000 |
≥ 50 |
Low |
Pos (gout/pseudogout) |
Neg |
| septic arthritis |
Cloudy yellow/green |
> 50000 |
≥ 75 |
Low |
Neg |
Pos |
| Haemorrhagic |
Bloody red |
200 - 2000 |
50-75 |
Variable |
Neg |
Neg |