Biocomposites Ltd, an international medical device company, has invested in InfectoTest GmbH, a company that has pioneered an innovative way to quickly diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the OR, office or clinic.
Biocomposites Buys Stake in PJI Testing Company
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Based in Keele, United Kingdom, Biocomposites products are used to reduce the risks of infection in bone and soft tissue. As part of that core objective, the company has purchased a minority share interest in InfectoTest, whose products, according to Biocomposites, will strengthen its infection reduction and management product line.
InfectoTest’s novel bacterial point-of-care testing kit systems for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), will complement Biocomposites’ existing product portfolio, according to the company.
The point-of-care PJI test is called InfectoSynovia and, according to the company, has the ability to diagnose PJI in under five minutes. The PJI test can “detect the infection in tiny quantities of synovial fluid using a unique method of electrochemical analysis.” The test can use “a sample as small as 50 microliters (µl) of synovial fluid.”
Biocomposites Chief Executive Officer Michael Harris explained, “Periprosthetic joint infection is a large and growing problem worldwide. Quickly and accurately pinpointing the bacteria that cause each infection is essential if patients are to receive the best care and maximize their chances of full recovery.”
Harris continued, “Our investment in InfectoTest GmbH, reaffirms our commitment to providing and investing in a comprehensive range of products for the management of infection in bone and soft tissue.”
The test can be used in the operating room as well as in an inpatient or outpatient setting. According to InfectoTest, the system includes a hand-held reader with digital display function and disposable sensor chips.
InfectoTest Managing Director Svetlana Karbysheva, M.D., Ph.D. said, “Our InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection.”
Dr. Karbysheva continued, “With the backing of Biocomposites, which has deep expertise in the management of infection in bone and soft tissue, and a significant global distribution network, InfectoTest will now be able to develop this essential test faster and bring it to clinicians and their patients sooner.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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