| Parameter | 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 (/µL) | <200 | >2000 | <0.2 × 109/L | >2 × 109/L |
| Percent of Total / Fraction of Total | ||||
| PMN | <25% | >75% | <0.25 | >0.75 |
| RBC | <2% | >50% | <0.02 | >0.50 |
| Chemistry | ||||
| Total protein | 1.2–3.0 g/dL | >4.0 g/dL | 12–30 g/L | >40 g/L |
| Glucose | Serum level − <60 mg/dL | — | Serum level − 3.4 mmol/L | — |