A range of ground-breaking genetic tests could help predict whether joint replacements succeed or fail. These new genetic tests are poised to help the UK meet its goal of becoming a world-leading ‘science superpower’ by 2030, UKRI notes.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency-registered Orthotype tests from ExplantLab were launched this week at the Artificial Intelligence in Orthopaedics conference at the Royal College of Surgeons.

The tests have been developed with the backing of Innovate UK and the Academic Health Science Networks for the North East and North Cumbria, in collaboration with:

Newcastle University
University Hospital of North Tees
Nuffield Health Tees Hospital
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
Royal Perth Hospital, Australia
Testing for allergic reactions

Orthotype tests identify genetic markers in saliva or blood samples for specific variations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which regulate immune responses.

These genes indicate whether patients will develop an allergic reaction to cobalt chrome, a type of metal found in many joint replacement implants.

Predicting risk

David Langton from ExplantLab explains:

By sequencing DNA in saliva swabs and blood tests from over 600 joint-replacement patients around the world, we established that those who suffered complications carried specific variations of the HLA gene family.

We then used our findings to develop a machine-learning algorithm called Orthotype that uses genetics to accurately…