Joint fluid gram stain is a laboratory test to identifying bacteria in a sample of joint fluid using a special series of stains (colors). The gram stain method is one of the most commonly used methods to rapidly diagnose bacterial infections.
Alternative Names:
Gram stain of joint fluid
How the test is performed:
A sample of joint fluid is needed. For information on how this procedure is done, see: Joint fluid aspiration.
The fluid sample is sent to a lab where a small drop is placed in a very thin layer onto a microscope slide. This is called a smear. Several different colored stains are applied to the sample. The laboratory personnel will look at the stained smear under a microscope to see if bacteria is present. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the bacteria.
How to prepare for the test:
For information on how to prepare for the removal of joint fluid, see: Joint fluid aspiration.
How the test will feel:
For information on how it will feel when the joint fluid is removed, see: Joint fluid aspiration.
Review Date: 12/3/2007
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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