System for detecting infection in synovial fluid

A system for diagnosing joint infection in a subject, wherein the system detects the presence of a biomarker for joint infection in synovial fluid obtained from the subject and in contact with a buffer to maintain a pH in a range of from about 5 to about 9, wherein detection of the biomarker diagnoses joint infection in the subject with at least 90% accuracy, wherein the biomarker is selected from the group consisting of IL-1α, HNP1-3, ELA-2, bacterial permeability increasing protein (BPI), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), Resistin, Thrombospondin, Lactoferrin, IL-1β, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP), TNFα, IL-6, HNE, a2M, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), skin derived antileukoproteinase (SKALP), IP-10, leukocyte-derived matrix metalloproteinase (LMP), and Orsomucoid, and any combination thereof, wherein the system comprises:

• a) a first region comprising a first detection reagent that detects the presence of the biomarker for joint infection in synovial fluid, wherein the first detector reagent specifically binds the biomarker,
• b) a second region comprising an internal control detector reagent comprising aggrecan for verification of synovial fluid, wherein the internal control detector reagent specifically binds a marker of synovial fluid;
• wherein joint infection is diagnosed when the biomarker and the marker of synovial fluid are detected and the first region and second region are in flow communication with each other.