CYTOLOGIC EXAMINATION OF SYNOVIAL-FLUID

Cytologic examination of synovial fluid has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of various joint diseases. Few pathologists are profici ent in the interpretation of the occasional synovial fluids that most cytology laboratories receive. The majority of the aspirated synovial fluids are sent only for bacterial culture and valuable information fr om the cytologic examination is missed. We describe how pathologists s hould perform analysis of these fluids and what kind of information th ey can provide to the physician.