Three tubes of blood-streaked synovial fluid from the elbow of a 40-year-old tennis player are delivered to the laboratory with a request for a WBC count,differential,crystal analysis,glucose,and Gram stain.
-Based on the laboratory results listed: WBC count = 1000/µL,the differential has 80% mononuclear cells and 20% neutrophils,the glucose is normal,and Gram stain is negative.What classification of joint disorders is indicated?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A WBC count of 1000/µL with a differential showing mostly mononuclear cells and normal glucose indicates a noninflammatory joint disorder. The negative Gram stain also rules out a septic joint. The lack of crystals makes an inflammatory/crystal-induced joint disorder less likely. Hemorrhagic joint disorders would have a visible blood clot within the fluid.

Three Tubes of Blood-Streaked Synovial Fluid from the Elbow of a 40-Year-Old