Joint Infection EQA/PT Pilot Study

Bone and Joint infection diagnosis can be challenging as the symptoms are similar to other common conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Culturing can require up to two weeks due to the potentially fastidious nature of the pathogens associated with this type of infection. Average sensitivity rates of approximately 72% have been recorded and this can be further reduced where antibiotics have been administered. The aim of the joint infection pilot study is to assess the ability of laboratories to detect a range of Gram positive, Gram negative and fungal pathogens alongside common resistance markers using their routine molecular diagnostic platforms and procedures. The panel members will resemble clinical samples and will include current clinically relevant strains.