Urgent Investigation in Acute Arthritis
- Joint aspiration (Chapter 124)
- X-ray joint for baseline and to exclude osteomyelitis
- Blood glucose
- Creatinine and electrolytes
- Liver function tests
- Full blood count
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein
- Viral serology if indicated
- Blood culture (×2)
- Urine stick test, microscopy and culture
- Swab of urethra, cervix and anorectum if gonococcal infection is possible
|