In synovial fluid analysis, what does a failure of the string test indicate?

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In synovial fluid analysis, what does a failure of the string test indicate?

The string test in synovial fluid checks viscosity, which reflects hyaluronic acid content. Normal joint fluid is very viscous and forms a long, cohesive string when drawn between fingers. If the fluid fails to form a long string, viscosity is reduced, which is typical of inflammatory or septic arthritis. This decrease in viscosity signals a disease process rather than normal physiology, due to degradation or depletion of hyaluronic acid in the inflammatory milieu. So a failed string test points to disease. Absence of hyaluronic acid is too absolute a conclusion from this test, and increased viscosity or normal fluid would not produce a failed string.

The string test in synovial fluid checks viscosity, which reflects hyaluronic acid content. Normal joint fluid is very viscous and forms a long, cohesive string when drawn between fingers. If the fluid fails to form a long string, viscosity is reduced, which is typical of inflammatory or septic arthritis. This decrease in viscosity signals a disease process rather than normal physiology, due to degradation or depletion of hyaluronic acid in the inflammatory milieu. So a failed string test points to disease. Absence of hyaluronic acid is too absolute a conclusion from this test, and increased viscosity or normal fluid would not produce a failed string.

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