PCR Respiratory Pathogen Panel

Our Respiratory Panel tests for pathogens in the respiratory tract to determine if there is a virus, bacteria, or other organism present. The respiratory tract includes your lungs, nose, and throat. There are various viruses and bacteria that can infect these areas. Symptoms are often similar, but treatments can be vastly different, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial.

Other common names for a Respiratory Pathogen Panel: RP Panel, Respiratory Virus Profile, Multiplex Respiratory Panel, Multi-pathogen Molecular Assay, Syndromic Multiplex Panel

Our Molecular PCR testing method is the new “gold-standard”, offers fast results in under 24 hours, and it is extremely accurate with high sensitivity and specificity. Compared to cultures, PCR testing is less labor intensive and almost eliminates the risk of false positive, false negative, or inconclusive results. The respiratory pathogen panel provided by PCR-Dx consists of molecular tests that detect the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of some of the most common pathogens.

What are the benefits of PCR testing for Respiratory Panels?

Our PCR tests can detect co-infections and microbes undetectable by traditional testing methods such as a culture. We also recognize subtypes or strains of microbes and results of a respiratory pathogen panel can be obtained within a few hours, as opposed to several days with some traditional testing methods. Our panel makes it easier for medical professionals to diagnose, treat and monitor patient recovery. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostics provides fast, actionable results with excellent sensitivity and specificity, giving clinicians and clinical microbiologists precise answers. This makes PCR the optimal approach when clinical evaluation must be executed promptly and accurately.

What are the advantages of Multiplex Respiratory Testing?

Are you a medical provider, clinic, or urgent care location looking for a faster and more accurate way to diagnose respiratory illnesses? Our Respiratory Panel is a Multiplex PCR-based solution that can identify multiple pathogens in a single test and provide results quickly, helping to reduce the time and resources spent on diagnosis.

Our respiratory panel leverages PCR techniques to selectively amplify genes that are specific to each pathogen of interest. For Covid, the test will amplify the genes that code for the virus’ envelope protein (E gene) or the nucleocapsid protein (N gene). For Influenza A, B, and RSV, PCR targets may include virus specific matrix proteins as well as nucleocapsid proteins.

Using multiplex tests, you can save time and resources while still getting the accurate and reliable results you need. As the flu season approaches, the medical community is concerned about the potential spread of respiratory illnesses. With new strains of Covid and record numbers of RSV infections, it’s critical that patients showing signs of a respiratory illness get accurate and rapid testing. Our PCR Respiratory Panel can help protect patients, healthcare workers, and the public.

What pathogens are detected in the Respiratory Panel?

Bacterial Targets

Chlamydophila pmeoumoniea
Haemophilis influenza
Klebsiella pneumonia
Moraxella catarrhalis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Staphylococcus auereus
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Endogenous control

What type of sample is required for a Respiratory Panel test?

There are two ways a provider may take a sample for testing.

Nasopharyngeal swab:

A sample is collected from the back of the nose and throat. This is done by having the patient tip their head back, then a swab is gently inserted through a nostril until resistance is met (about 1 to 2 inches), then rotated several times and withdrawn. This may tickle a bit and cause the eyes to tear.

Nasal aspirate:

A syringe is used to push a small amount of sterile saline into the nose, then gentle suction is applied to remove the sample.

Why choose PCR-DX as your diagnostic laboratory?

At PCR-Dx, we invest heavily in research and development ensuring that our lab remains on the cutting edge of this revolutionary molecular methodology. We prioritize patient safety while ensuring physician satisfaction by offering accurate, fast, cost effective and reliable testing services. We reduced the bottom-line cost for practitioners and businesses while at the same time fostering long-term collaborative relationships with our clients. With traditional pathogen culture and identification methodologies taking days or weeks to receive results, we are able to turn test results around in under 24 hours. By choosing PCR-Dx diagnostic lab, your patients can rest easy knowing that their health care professionals are collaborating with one of the most efficient and effective labs in the nation. So whether your clinic sees two patients a day 20 or 200 our staff of laboratory scientists and technicians can accommodate you for more information on specific testing and to see how PCR DX diagnostic can improve patient care for your clinic contact us today.