Optimised sample preparation of synovial fluid for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis DNA by polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: To optimise sample preparation of synovial fluid for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods: Serial dilutions of purified CT elementary bodies in synovial fluid were prepared. The synovial fluid pellet was processed by eight different methods of sample preparation.