Diagnoses Consistent with Findings From Synovial Fluid Analysis13
| Condition | Appearance | WBCs/mma | %PMNs | Glucose Serum Level (%) | Crystals under Polarized Light |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Clear | <200 | <25 | 95–100 | None |
| Noninflammatory (eg, degenerative joint disease) | Clear | <400 | <25 | 95–100 | None |
| Acute gout | Turbid | 2,000–5,000 | >75 | 80–100 | Negative birefringence; needle-like crystals |
| Pseudogout | Turbid | 5,000–50,000 | >75 | 80–1000 | Positive birefringence; rhomboid crystals |
| Septic arthritis | Purulent/turbid | >50,000 | >75 | <50 | None |
| Inflammatory (eg, rheumatoid arthritis) | Turbid | 5,000–50,000 | 50–75 | ∼75 | None |
Adapted from ref. 15.
a WBC, white blood cell; PMN, polymorphonuclear cell.