investigations

Last reviewed 05/2023

Important investigations in infective arthritis include:

  • blood cultures
  • full blood count for leucocytosis
  • erythrocyte sedimentation rate
  • C-reactive protein
  • aspiration of synovial fluid - usually purulent with a neutrophil count above 50,000 per mm3, and low glucose concentration
  • anti-streptolysin O titre