[Guidelines for synovial cytology].

Certain technical requirements have to be satisfied when synovial fluid is submitted for evaluation. This is to enable examination of the cell morphology and the polysaccharide and lipoid histochemistry of the cells and the dried liquid phase. The cell physiology should be considered when evaluating the cytogramme. Morphological and histochemical examination of the background indicate which biochemical estimations of the liquid phase are needed, and thus represent added diagnostic tools for evaluation of joint diseases. Cytolysis, cell involution and substrate condensation are discussed in detail.