Is there a role for molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the diagnosis of spinal surgery infection? If so, in which group of patients should this be done?

Author: Bryan Alexander

RECOMMENDATION: It is reasonable to selectively incorporate these diagnostic modalities as an adjunct to standard methodologies where there is a history or high pre-test probability for culture negative infection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Consensus

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 71%, Disagree: 14%, Abstain: 15% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)

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