First diagnostic test to detect prosthetic joint infections

Prosthetic joint infections are a serious complication of joint replacement surgery, which necessitate surgical intervention. At present, potential infections are typically evaluated for with x-rays or laboratory analysis of joint fluid. This can be time consuming process.

But now the process may become simpler with the approval of a new diagnostic test to detect prosthetic joint infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted marketing of the Synovasure Lateral Flow Test Kit as an aid for the detection of periprosthetic joint in the synovial fluid of patients being evaluated for revision surgery i.e. surgery performed to replace or compensate for a failed implant. 

The test kit detects proteins called human alpha defensins in the synovial fluid of patients with a total joint replacement. The results are available in about 10 minutes. Alpha defensins are antimicrobial proteins released by activated neutrophils (white blood cells) in response to infection.

The test only determines if an infection is present in synovial fluid or not and should be used along with clinical assessment. It does not identify a specific type of infection.

(Source: US FDA)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA