Arthrocentesis

List of materials required:

• • Small tray

  • Sterile gloves

  • Sterile drape

  • Skin antiseptic (betadine)

  • Alcohol swab

  • Sterile gauze

  • Anesthetic (lidocaine)

  • Small sterile syringe 10 mL for anesthetic

  • 25 G small needle for anesthetic

  • Skin marking pen

  • 60 cc syringe or two 30 cc syringe for aspiration

  • 18 gauge needle 1 ½ inch long

  • Collecting tubes: red, purple, and green top

    • Red top (no additive): chemistry, protein, glucose. Serum specimens for reference sent at the same time.

    • Purple top (EDTA prevents clotting): microscopy, cell count, differential

    • Green top (sodium heparin, prevents clotting and does not crystallize): cyrstal exam.

  • Culture bottles

  • Adhesive bandage