1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis

What is Joint Fluid Aspiration?

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated February 01, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis
  4. Symptoms / Diagnosis
  5. A - Z: Arthritis Diagnosis
  6. Joint Fluid Aspiration - What is Joint Fluid Aspiration?>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.