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Course includes study material and exam. 

Description: Learn the structure of a common joint and composition of synovial fluid as well as characteristic laboratory tests. Learn to relate synovial fluid laboratory findings to differentiate non-inflammatory and inflammatory, infections, crystal-induced and hemorrhagic diseases.

Start Date: Upon registration

Completion: Up to 52 weeks

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the structure of a common joint and the function of synovial fluid.
• Tabulate the five major disease groups that can be differentiated by analysis of synovial fluid.
• Outline the physical characteristics of synovial fluid.
• Describe the cellular contents of normal synovial fluid.
• Discuss the changes seen in cellular content of synovial fluid in patients with joint disease.
• Describe in detail the use of polarized light in the identification of crystals.
• Tabulate the important features of crystals and artefacts seen in synovial fluids.
• Outline the other more specific tests that might be used in testing a synovial fluid.
• Review the microbiological evaluation appropriate for fluids.
• Review the organisms likely found in an infected joint.
• Describe the underlying causes of gout.

Author: John Chapman, FCSMLS, FIMLS, CLSp(H)

Version Date: February 2018

PEP hours: 16

CPS credits: 0

*Note: PEP hours and/or CPS credits will only be awarded upon successful completion of Final Exam.