Protein Total Synovial Fluid
What is this test?
Protein Total Synovial Fluid Test is used to measure total protein in the synovial fluid (a fluid in the spaces between the joints). This test helps to detect the diseases or conditions affecting joints.
What is Synovial Fluid?
Synovial fluid is a thick liquid made in the space between the joints. This fluid is produced by synovial membranes which line the inner surface of joints. It is necessary to reduce the friction of the joint movement in the shoulder, knees, hips, hands, and feet. Variety of diseases or conditions affecting joint structure and function can cause synovial fluid changes.
Common conditions that affect the joints are autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in the joints), or lupus, osteoarthritis (pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints), gout (tenderness of joints), septic arthritis (joint infection), joint injury etc. Normally synovial fluid contains a small amount of protein, glucose, white blood cells, and red blood cells. But joint abnormalities can cause pain, swelling or accumulation of synovial fluid in joints.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to diagnose the conditions or diseases that cause pain, swelling and synovial fluid accumulation in joints. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms of joint abnormalities such as pain, redness, swelling, fluid build-up, etc. This test is recommended to monitor and diagnose the conditions such as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in the joints), or lupus, osteoarthritis (pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints), gout (tenderness of joints), septic arthritis (joint infection), joint injury etc. However, your doctor may ask to perform a few more additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Protein Total Synovial Fluid. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Protein Total Synovial Fluid.
Your healthcare provider may ask to fast (not to eat or drink) before the test. This test may be performed after fasting or at random. Follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
If the test results show high levels of proteins than the normal range in the fluid, it may indicate osteoarthritis (a degenerative disease that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints), autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in the joints), or lupus, septic arthritis (joint infection), joint injury, or gout (tenderness of joints). However, a few more additional tests may also be performed depending on the suspected cause and typical results to diagnose the exact cause of the condition.
Low levels of proteins than the normal range in the synovial fluid is not very common. However, in the case of test results with low levels of protein consult your doctor for more information.
If you get abnormal test results, consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The normal values are reported by the pathologist |