Septic arthritis is a painful and acute condition characterized by pain, redness, swelling and inflammation in the joints. It is caused due to microbial infection in the joints. Bacteria are the most common cause of this condition though sometimes viruses and even fungi can cause septic arthritis.

 A blood culture will help determine the presence of micro organisms in the blood. Septicemia or bacterial infection in the blood is a major cause of septic arthritis. Your doctor will also do a joint fluid analysis. This involves aspirating some synovial fluid from your joints. This fluid keeps joints lubricated and usually appears clear and thick. If there is a bacterial infection, the fluid undergoes changes in appearance and consistency. A lab analysis if the fluid will be able to determine the presence of an infection. The fluid will be cultured in the lab so that the causative organism can be identified and corresponding antibiotics prescribed.

Your doctor may also recommend a complete blood test to analyze the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells etc. These indicators will help determine the extent of the infection. Imaging tests like X-rays help doctors determine whether joint damage has occurred. This test will help them understand the severity of the infection.