- helps diagnosing the cause of joint inflammation, pain and/or swelling
- tested when one or more of the joints are swollen, red and/or painful
- a synovial fluid sample is obtained by inserting a needle into the space between the bones at a joint
- synovial fluid collection and analysis may be performed after fasting or at random
- Saliva testing is a diagnostic technique that involves laboratory analysis of saliva to identify markers of endocrine, immunologic, inflammatory, infectious, and other types of conditions.
- Saliva is a useful biological fluid for assaying steroid hormones such as cortisol, genetic material like RNA, proteins such as enzymes and antibodies, and a variety of other substances, including natural metabolites, including saliva nitrite.
- Saliva testing is used to screen for or diagnose numerous conditions and disease states, as well as for drug testing.
- Salivary testing has even been used by the U.S. government to assess circadian rhythm shifts in astronauts before flight and to evaluate hormonal profiles of soldiers undergoing military survival training.
- To detect and diagnose certain birth defects, genetic diseases, and chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus, especially if prenatal screening tests are abnormal.
- A sample (about 1 ounce) of amniotic fluid is obtained using a procedure called amniocentesis that involves inserting a thin needle through the belly and uterus into the amniotic sac.
- CSF is formed by a combined process of plasma ultrafiltration and active secretion.
- Mechanical and osmotic barriers exist between plasma and CSF and between CSF and brain.
- Lumbar puncture is the preferred technique for CSF sampling.
- Normal CSF should be clear, colorless, and free of clotted material.
- CSF can be examined for presence of microbes using stains.
- Additionally, the chemical composition of CSF can be examined; tests of interest include glucose, protein, lactate, enzymes, glutamine, specific amino acids, biogenic amines, and various drugs.
