High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Oct 2024

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated number of hip and knee arthroplasties is expected to quadruple within the next 10 to 20 years. PJI impacts over 2% of these patients and has become the leading cause of revision arthroplasty. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of PJI is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the most suitable surgical or antimicrobial treatment plan. Now, a state-of-the-art, high-accuracy point-of-care test is being developed to diagnose PJI in under five minutes.

InfectoTest GmbH (Berlin, Germany) is developing InfectoSynovia, a rapid and high-accuracy test designed to identify PJI in less than five minutes. This test employs an innovative electrochemical analysis technique that requires only a minimal sample of synovial fluid. InfectoSynovia aims to significantly decrease the diagnosis time to under five minutes while providing excellent sensitivity and specificity, using a sample as small as 50 microliters (µl) of synovial fluid.


Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

With InfectoTest's unique electrochemical analysis approach, complemented by software that aids in the precise interpretation of results, InfectoSynovia will be capable of detecting low-grade and culture-negative infections. This groundbreaking technology aims to transform the diagnosis of PJI, addressing an escalating global demand as the prevalence of joint replacements increases with aging populations.

"Our InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection,” said Svetlana Karbysheva, MD, PhD., Managing Director of InfectoTest.

Related Links:
InfectoTest GmbH


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