'All in a box' a concept for optimizing microbiological diagnostic sampling in prosthetic joint infections

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Microbiology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Accurate microbial diagnosis is essential for managing prosthetic joint infections (PJIs).
• While multiple intraoperative samples enhance diagnostic accuracy, complexity poses challenges.
• New techniques and molecular methods offer improved diagnostic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To devise and test a novel pre-packed box concept for collecting non-standard samples during PJI studies.
• To simplify the complex sampling process for surgical teams in the operating theatre.

Main Methods:

• Development of pre-packed boxes containing all necessary swabs, vials, and tools for PJI sample collection.
• Boxes were prepared for percutaneous joint puncture and surgical revision procedures.
• Clinical study involving the use of these boxes over a 2-year period.

Main Results:

• 164 boxes were utilized during the 2-year project.
• 98 boxes contained a complete set of required samples.
• A total of 1508 out of 1685 (89%) scheduled samples were successfully collected.

Conclusions:

• The 'All in a box' concept achieved a high level of completeness for diagnostic sample sets.
• This approach provides a valid basis for evaluating new diagnostic methods for PJIs.
• The concept is applicable in routine clinical settings for standardized, complex diagnostic sampling.