1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis

What is Joint Fluid Aspiration?

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Definition: Joint fluid aspiration is performed using a sterile needle to draw joint fluid from a joint, it is also known as arthrocentesis. The skin is sterilized in the area which will be punctured with the needle and a local anesthetic is used. Once the fluid is drawn it is usually sent to a laboratory for examination.
Pronunciation: joy-nt flu-idd aspir-a-shun
Also Known As: arthrocentesis, joint aspiration
Common Misspellings: joint fluid aspirition
Examples: The joint aspiration fluid was sent to the lab for testing.

Explore Arthritis

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis
  4. Symptoms / Diagnosis
  5. A - Z: Arthritis Diagnosis
  6. Joint Fluid Aspiration - What is Joint Fluid Aspiration?

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.