The role of real-time PCR testing in the investigation of paediatric patients with community-onset osteomyelitis and septic arthritis

ConclusionsSequential culture and PCR testing can improve the detection rate of causative organisms in paediatric bone and joint infections, particularly for fastidious microorganisms such asK. kingae. PCR testing can be reserved for cases where culture is negative after 48  h. These results have been used to develop a standardised diagnostic test panel for bone and joint infections at our institution.
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research