Kingella kingae PCR - Biopsy

Alternate test name

Septic arthritis, osteoarthritis infection, 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

Specimen type

Synovial biopsy
Bone biopsy
Vegetation (heart valve)

Specimen requirements

send in screw top 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

Specimen Sources:

Synovial tissue
Bone
Heart valve or vegetations

Requisition

Kingella kingae PCR - Biopsy - 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