Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres
11:09

Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres

Published on: October 23, 2011

16.7K

Evaluation of a fully automated multiplex PCR panel for the microbiological diagnosis of joint infections

Narumi Ueda1, Yasushi Nakamori2, Kazuyuki Okuda3

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, 4-20 Komatsubara-dori, Wakayama-city, Wakayama 640-8558, Japan.

Journal of Orthopaedic Science : Official Journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association
|January 7, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The BIOFIRE® FilmArray® Joint Infection Panel (JI panel) offers rapid identification of osteoarticular infection pathogens. Combining the JI panel with conventional culture improves diagnostic sensitivity for comprehensive pathogen detection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Rapid identification of causative microorganisms is crucial for effective treatment of osteoarticular infections.
  • The BIOFIRE® FilmArray® Joint Infection Panel (JI panel) is an automated multiplex PCR system for detecting pathogens in synovial fluid.
  • Evaluating the diagnostic performance of the JI panel in osteoarticular infections is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the BIOFIRE® FilmArray® Joint Infection Panel (JI panel) for osteoarticular infections.
  • To compare the performance of the JI panel against conventional culture methods.
  • To determine the added value of combining both diagnostic approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Synovial fluid samples from patients with suspected osteoarticular infections were analyzed.
  • Fifty-five samples from 49 patients were tested using the JI panel and conventional culture.
  • Results from the JI panel were compared with culture-based identification.

Main Results:

  • The JI panel demonstrated 100% specificity, with sensitivities of 55% compared to 61% for culture.
  • Agreement between the JI panel and culture was 65% for positive cases.
  • Combined JI panel and culture yielded significantly higher sensitivity (70%) than the JI panel alone (55%).

Conclusions:

  • The JI panel provides rapid and automated bacterial identification for osteoarticular infections.
  • The study recommends combining the JI panel with culture due to limitations in the panel's pathogen coverage.
  • Combined methods enhance diagnostic sensitivity, ensuring more comprehensive pathogen detection.
Keywords:
Fracture-related infectionMultiplex PCR panelOsteoarticular infectionPeriprosthetic joint infectionSeptic arthritisSurgical site infection

More Related Videos

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction10:35

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: December 3, 2017

11.5K
Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research05:25

Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research

Published on: July 14, 2023

1.9K

Related Concept Videos

Rapid Identification of Pathogens01:25

Rapid Identification of Pathogens

MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...