Gout IQ Test

Hi Aleks,

Thank you for your comment. In fact, synovial fluid testing is not the only test that can confirm gout by itself, and a combination of these tests together is usually requested for the careful diagnosis of gout. For example, testing the levels of uric acid in the blood is done when a doctor cannot safely extract fluid from the affected joint. An ultrasound or dual energy CT scan can also be requested, as they can both detect urate crystals in the joints and skin, therefore diagnosing gout. As well, a joint fluid analysis alone may not be enough, as a negative result (ie. not finding any crystals in the synovial fluid sample) does not always correctly confirm that someone does not have gout; the crystals may also be found around the joints (this will require future sample collection from a patient). Other complementary tests (such as a physical exam, blood test) can be beneficial to determine if there are any other health issues playing a role in the inflammation, something that a synovial fluid test alone is unable to detect.

You can read more about gout diagnoses here:
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/gout/start/1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20019400
https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/winter12/articles/winter12pg20.html

Thank you!

Medical News Bulletin