Septic Arthritis

Overview
Testing
Treatment
Sources

Testing
The goals with testing for septic arthritis are to identify the microorganism causing the infection, to determine which antimicrobial therapy will be effective, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and to evaluate the physical status of the affected joint(s).

Laboratory Tests:

Blood culture - used to determine if a microorganism is present in the blood
Culture of joint fluid or of other body fluids or tissues, such as sputum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid - to detect microorganisms, to determine which antimicrobials they are likely to be susceptible to, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment
Synovial fluid analysis - to detect microorganisms and to see if there are any signs, such as crystals in the joint fluid, that may indicate a different or co-existing cause for joint pain (such as gout)
Complete Blood Count (CBC) - this is a group of tests used to evaluate a patient’s red and white blood cells and hemoglobin to help evaluate and monitor the condition

Non-Laboratory Tests:

X-ray of joint(s) - used to help evaluate joint damage; may not show abnormalities until significant damage exists