Kingella kingae PCR - Joint/Synovial Fluid

Alternate test name

Septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, bacteremia, culture negative endocarditis (HACEK)

Gene name / Alternate gene name

RTX toxin gene (rtxB)

Lab area

Microbiology - Molecular

Method and equipment

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Expected turn-around time

Specimen type

Joint / Synovial fluid

Specimen requirements

0.4 mL minimum
send in sterile screw top tube/container

Storage and transportation

All specimens must be shipped on dry ice.
Exception: specimens that arrive at SickKids within 24hrs from time of collection can be shipped on ice packs.

Special requirements

For diagnosis of septic arthritis in previously healthy children <= 6 years of age.

Requisition

Kingella kingae PCR - Joint/Synovial Fluid - requisition

Background and clinical significance

Kingella kingae is an important cause of septic arthritis in young children. Its fastidious nature makes it difficult to culture. K. kingae is also an important cause of culture negative endocarditis (HACEK group) in children and adults .

Disease condition