Orthotype™ Post-Op combines cobalt/chromium exposure assessment with next generation genetic susceptibility testing to support evaluation of adverse metal-related immune responses following arthroplastyOrthotype™ identifies patients at increased risk of poorer outcomes following arthroplasty—before surgery—supporting informed implant selection and more predictable results.
PROBLEM DEFINITION
Persistent symptoms remain common A meaningful proportion of patients reportchronic pain or functional limitation after technically successfularthroplasty.
Standard pathways don’t explain every case In some patients, infection, loosening, and malalignment are excluded—yet symptoms persist.A meaningful proportion of patients reportchronic pain or functional limitation after technically successfularthroplasty.
Delayed biological drivers may be overlooked Metal exposure and genetically mediated immune responses are not routinely assessed in post-operative pathways.
CLINICAL GAP
ARMD and DTH/ALVAL extend beyond MoM hips Histological features consistent with delayed-type hypersensitivity have been reported in failed knee arthroplasties and other non-MoM settings.
Susceptibility varies between patients Not all patients exposed to cobalt–chromium develop inflammatory reactions—indicating the role of genetic predisposition.
What Orthotype™ Post-Op Measures
Metal exposure Whole-blood cobalt and chromium quantifiedusing ICP-MS to assess systemic metal burden.
Genetic susceptibility HLA genotyping identifies variants associatedwith increased risk of destructive delayed-type immune responses to metaldebris.
Integratedinterpretation Orthotype™ combines metal ions, genetics andother key clinical variables to provide a structured assessment of ARMD / DTHlikelihood.
CLINICAL VALUES
Improve decision-making when symptoms persist Adds a structured assessment of CoCr hypersensitivity risk to the broader diagnostic picture when infection and mechanical issues are unclear. Informs revision strategy If revision is needed, results can help inform prosthesis/material selection to reduce the likelihood of repeating the same adverse immune response. Supports conservative management A low-risk result can support non-surgical optimisation and monitoring, helping avoid revision where CoCr hypersensitivity is unlikely to be contributory. Improves follow-up planning Helps tailor monitoring intensity and timing, recognising that inflammatory responses may evolve over months/years and depend on both exposure and susceptibility.
Who it’s for
When to consider Orthotype™ Post-Op • Persistent pain, swelling, effusion, or reduced mobility after arthroplasty • Negative or inconclusive infection and mechanical workup • Patients where understanding metal exposure + immune susceptibility may influence revision timing, implant choice, or monitoring strategy
Test Workflow Cards
Simple blood draw Three 5 ml EDTA samples collected in a single visit. Validated laboratory analysis ICP-MS metal ion testing and next-generation sequencing performed in NHS accredited laboratories. Clear clinical report Concise PDF report returned to the requesting clinician, typically within ~2 weeks.
Clinical clarity, not a standalone diagnosis
What the result means Orthotype™ Post-Op is designed to support clinical decision-making by providing information about: • Metal burden (Co/Cr) • Genetic susceptibility (HLA) • The likelihood that ARMD/DTH may be contributing to symptoms—alongside clinical assessment and other investigations
Regulatory-safe footnote
Orthotype™ Post-Op is intended to support evaluation of potential metal-related immune responses following arthroplasty. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical assessment and standard diagnostic investigations. The test does not independently diagnose implant failure or hypersensitivity.
