Please make clear if there is a prosthetic joint in situ; these samples will be treated differently and have an extended incubation.
BioFire FilmArray® multiplex PCR is available for native joint fluid samples where there is a high index of suspicion of septic arthritis. Please contact us to discuss.
For more information please visit:
BioFire® Joint Infection (JI) Panel - BioFire Diagnostics
If you are sending a joint aspirate that is urgent, please contact us before sending.
Sample type
Joint aspirate
Specimen requirements
Use aseptic technique and send in a sterile universal container
Minimum volume
0.5ml
Frequency of test
Daily
Turnaround time
6 days
Up to 10 days if prosthetic joint in situ
What to request on EPR
Pus / deep wound / fluid / abscess / biopsy / scrape / aspirate / valve MCS - > specimen type - joint fluid
Prosthetic / metal work MCS
