Patients with suspected septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infections, or unexplained joint inflammation are recommended for this test.

Synovial fluid is collected from the affected joint and analyzed using multiplex PCR technology to detect pathogens and resistance markers.

It identifies multiple bacteria, yeast, and select antimicrobial resistance genes commonly associated with joint infections.

A positive result confirms infection, guiding doctors to prescribe targeted antibiotics or antifungal therapy.

A negative result means no pathogens were detected, suggesting infection may not be present or caused by organisms outside the panel’s scope.

Prior antibiotic use may reduce bacterial load, but PCR technology can still detect genetic material reliably.