Joint fluid Gram stain
Joint fluid Gram stain is a laboratory test to identify bacteria in a sample of joint fluid using a special series of stains (colors). The Gram stain method is one of the most commonly used methods to rapidly identify the cause of bacterial infections.
Gram stain method
A Gram stain is a test used to identify bacteria. It is one of the most common ways to quickly diagnose bacterial infection in the body.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow the Test is Performed
A sample of joint fluid is needed. This may be done in a health care provider's office using a needle, or during an operating room procedure. Removing the sample is called joint fluid aspiration.
Joint fluid aspiration
Synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe fluid sample is sent to a lab where a drop of fluid is spread in a very thin layer onto a microscope slide. This is called a smear. Several different colored stains are applied to the sample. The laboratory personnel will look at the stained smear under a microscope to see if bacteria are present. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the bacteria.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your provider will tell you how to prepare for the procedure. No special preparation is needed. But, tell your provider if you're taking a blood thinner, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix). These medicines can affect test results or your ability to take the test.
How the Test will Feel
Sometimes, the provider will first inject numbing medicine into the skin with a small needle, which may sting. A larger needle is then used to draw out the synovial fluid.
This test may also cause some discomfort if the tip of the needle touches bone. The procedure usually lasts less than 1 to 2 minutes.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is performed when there is unexplained swelling, joint pain, and inflammation of a joint, or to check for suspected joint infection.
Normal Results
A normal result means no bacteria are present on the Gram stain.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results mean bacteria were seen on the Gram stain. This may be a sign of a joint infection, for example, gonococcal arthritis due to bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or arthritis due to bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
Gonococcal arthritis
Gonococcal arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a gonorrhea infection. Gonococcal arthritis is a type of septic arthritis. This is inflammati...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleRisks
Risks of this test include:
- Infection of the joint -- unusual, but more common with repeated aspirations
- Bleeding into the joint space
Reviewed By
Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
El-Gabalawy HS, Tanner S. Synovial fluid analyses, synovial biopsy, and synovial pathology. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 56.
Karcher DS, McPherson RA. Cerebrospinal, synovial, serous body fluids, and alternative specimens. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 30.