Joint fluid Gram stain is a laboratory test to identify 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.

Gram stain of joint fluid

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 are present. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the bacteria.

For information on how to prepare for the removal of joint fluid, see joint fluid aspiration.

For information on how it will feel when the joint fluid is removed, see joint fluid aspiration.

The test is performed when there is unexplained swelling, joint pain, and inflammation of a joint, or to check for suspected joint infection.

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Joint fluid Gram stain Results

Review Date: 12/03/2007
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)