| Normal | Pathological | Normal | Pathological | |
| Volume, mL (knee): | <4 | >4 | <0.004 L | >0.004 L |
| Viscosity | ||||
| String test | + (high) | - (low) | ||
| Mucin clot | Firm | Friable | ||
| Clarity | Clear | Cloudy | ||
| Color | Straw | Red | ||
| Cell counts | ||||
| WBC (u/L) | <200 | >2000 | <0.2 x 10^9/L | >2 x 10^9/L |
| Percent of total | Fraction of total | |||
| PMN | <25 >75 | <0.25 >0.75 | ||
| RBC | <2 >50 | <0.02 >0.50 | ||
| Chemistry | ||||
| Total protein (g/dL) | 1.2-3.0 | >4.0 | 12-30 g/L | >40 g/L |
| Glucose (mg/dL) Serum level <60 | Serum level 3.4 mmol/L | |||