GS164-2

Gram – Joint fluid: 4+ (>10/oif) neutrophils, 4+ (>50/oif) gram negative bacilli (Escherichia coli) – Shipped February 20, 2017

HISTORY

A simulated joint fluid smear collected from 33 year old in a bicycle accident was sent to category A, B, C, and C1 laboratories.

Participants were expected to report the presence of neutrophils and gram negative bacilli.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from GS164-2

1. Gram negative bacteria are an uncommon but important cause of native-joint septic arthritis
2. 1. Correct direct microscopic examination of synovial fluid and reporting of gram negative septic arthritis plays an important of early treatment and prevention of septic arthritis complications.

Full critique (PDF)