MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests


Joint aspiration
 
Overview   Risks   Results   

Culture of joint aspirate

Alternative names:

culture of joint fluid

How the test is performed:

A sample of joint aspirate or fluid is placed on culture media in containers for the purpose of growing microorganisms (bacteria, fungus, or viruses) in the laboratory. Any microorganisms that grow will later be identified under the microscope. The microbiologist in the laboratory inspects the cultures daily for growth. If microorganisms are detected, other tests may be initiated to determine the sensitivity of the organisms to medications. Antibiotic therapy can then be determined based on these results.

How to prepare for the test:

A physician will withdraw fluid from a joint.

Adults:
There is no special preparation.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the test will feel:

The sample may be obtained in the health care provider's office or in the hospital. The skin over the joint is cleansed with antibacterial soap. A local anesthetic is injected into the skin over the joint. The injection has a burning or stinging sensation. After the area has become numb, a larger needle is inserted into the joint, and fluid is withdrawn. There may be pressure in the joint. Some minor soreness may be present for several days.

Why the test is performed:

The test may be performed when there is unexplained pain and inflammation of a joint or suspected infection in a joint.


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources