Respiratory Tract Infection Panel
Assessment of influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other causes of respiratory tract infections
Fever, cough, sore throat and a runny nose can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. It is not always possible to identify the cause of an infection based on symptoms alone.
The 26-target Multiplex PCR Respiratory Panel offered at Wellcare Laboratories tests for the genetic material of multiple viruses and bacteria in an appropriate respiratory tract sample. The results support your doctor's decisions on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
What is a multiplex PCR respiratory panel?
PCR is a molecular method used to detect the DNA or RNA of microorganisms. Multiplex PCR allows multiple targets to be tested for in the same analytical process.
The respiratory panel helps assess infections that cause similar symptoms. More than one pathogen may be detected in the same sample; however, the relationship of each finding to the illness must be interpreted alongside clinical findings.
The panel tests only for the targets within its scope; it is not a test that rules out all respiratory tract infections.
When can it be used?
Your doctor may request a respiratory tract PCR test or panel in the following situations:
- Investigation of the cause of symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and a runny nose
- A respiratory tract infection that is severe, worsening or requires hospital assessment
- Support for treatment decisions in people at high risk of complications
- Persistent suspicion of influenza or COVID-19 despite a negative rapid antigen test
- When identifying a specific infectious agent would change treatment or preventive measures
A broad panel is not necessary for every mild cold. For some patients, a test for a single pathogen or a narrower panel may be sufficient. Your doctor determines the appropriate test.
Which viruses and bacteria does the panel test for?
Our panel covers the following viruses, viral subtypes and bacteria:
| Group | Targets tested |
|---|---|
| Influenza viruses | Influenza A, influenza A H1N1 2009, influenza A H3 and influenza B |
| Cause of COVID-19 | SARS-CoV-2 |
| RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus A and B |
| Parainfluenza viruses | Types 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Other respiratory viruses | Human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus and bocavirus |
| Seasonal coronaviruses | 229E, HKU1, OC43 and NL63 |
| Bacteria | Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae |
Seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, are assessed as separate targets in the panel.
Why is identifying the infectious agent important?
It may help guide treatment decisions. In some infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, timely initiation of treatment targeting the pathogen is important for eligible patients.
It may help reduce unnecessary medication use. Interpreting the result alongside the clinical assessment contributes to the selection of appropriate treatment.
It may help with planning preventive measures. Knowing the pathogen can be useful, particularly for reducing contact with people at risk and for infection control in healthcare facilities.
Necessary treatment should not be delayed while awaiting the test result. Your doctor may start treatment before the result is available, particularly if the illness is severe or the risk of complications is high.
How is the sample collected?
The test is performed on a swab sample collected from the back of the nose — the nasopharynx — and/or the throat — the oropharynx — using the appropriate technique.
Sample collection takes only a short time. Temporary discomfort, watery eyes or a gagging sensation may occur during the procedure. Collecting the sample from the correct site and transporting it under appropriate conditions are important for test performance.
Before sample collection, please report when your symptoms began and which medications you are taking.
What is the difference between PCR and rapid antigen tests?
Rapid antigen tests look for specific proteins belonging to the microorganism. PCR detects genetic material.
Molecular tests are generally more sensitive than rapid antigen tests. Therefore, PCR may detect an infection in some cases where a rapid influenza or COVID-19 test is negative. However, no test alone can answer every clinical question.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates that genetic material from the relevant microorganism has been detected in the sample. The result is assessed alongside symptoms, the duration of the illness and examination findings.
Detection of a virus does not always mean that the person is still infectious. In some infections, genetic material may remain detectable after the illness has subsided.
Detection of bacteria does not, on its own, mean that antibiotics need to be started. Certain bacteria, particularly S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, may be present in the upper respiratory tract without causing illness. This should not be interpreted in the same way for all bacteria included in the panel.
A positive viral result does not completely rule out a concurrent bacterial infection either. Treatment decisions must be made by your doctor.
Does a negative result rule out infection or pneumonia?
No. A negative result means that the targets tested for were not detected in the sample collected. Microorganisms outside the panel, the timing of sample collection and sample quality may affect the result.
Especially in lower respiratory tract diseases such as pneumonia, a negative nasal or throat swab does not rule out infection. If your doctor considers it necessary, they may request imaging, sputum or other lower respiratory tract samples, and additional tests.
Respiratory PCR testing at Wellcare
At Wellcare Laboratories, test results are provided to support clinical assessment. Appropriate sample selection, correct sample collection and interpretation of results by a doctor are essential parts of the testing process.
You can contact our branches for information about the current price, turnaround time and sample collection requirements for the respiratory PCR panel:
📍Nicosia — Wellcare Health Clinic
📍Nicosia — Miracle Hospital
📍Kyrenia — Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital
You can consult your doctor to determine which test is appropriate for you and contact Wellcare Laboratories for information about sample collection.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (26 pathogens)Nasopharyngeal / Oropharyngeal swab
- Viruses; Influenza virus A, Influenza virus A H1N1 2009, Influenza virus A H3, Influenza virus B, Human metapneumovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus A/B, Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Human parainfluenza virus type 1/2/3/4, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, Human coronavirus 229E, Human coronavirus HKU-1, Human coronavirus OC43, Human coronavirus NL63, Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
- Bacteria; Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- These bacteria are common in healthy people, especially children; their detection alone does not require antibiotics.
General Information
Influenza Viruses (Type A and Type B)
They are the most common cause of viral respiratory illness. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without medical intervention. However, influenza can cause severe illness or death, especially among high-risk groups, including the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with serious medical conditions.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illness in young children. Early diagnosis of influenza and RSV is important for taking infection control measures and/or for severe illness; if the hospitalized patient has strong clinical suspicion, negative samples can be confirmed by RT-PCR.
Metapneumovirus
It is a relative of RSV and a cause of respiratory illness in both children and adults.
Human Rhinovirus and Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2)
These are agents that cause the common cold with symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat and fatigue. Rhinovirus and coronavirus infections are common because there are many types of these viruses. The vast majority of infections are mild and self-limiting; however, immunosuppressed hosts may be exposed to more serious illness, including lower respiratory tract disease.
Human Parainfluenza Viruses (1-4)
It is seen especially in young children as a mild, self-limiting viral illness, in the autumn months, with symptoms such as fever, runny nose and cough. However, parainfluenza can also cause more serious lower respiratory tract diseases such as croup or pneumonia, especially in older adults or immunosuppressed patients.
Adenoviruses
They can cause symptoms ranging from cold-like symptoms (sore throat) to pneumonia, conjunctivitis or diarrhea. Adenoviruses can cause severe illness, generally in immunosuppressed patients.
About the Respiratory Tract Infection PCR Panel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a respiratory tract infection panel, and what is it used for?
The multiplex respiratory PCR panel tests for the genetic material of different viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory tract infections in a single analysis. It helps distinguish between infections that cause similar symptoms and helps your doctor develop an appropriate treatment and follow-up plan. The panel assesses only the targets included in its scope.
Where can I get a respiratory PCR test in Northern Cyprus?
You can obtain information about the respiratory PCR panel from our branches at Wellcare Health Clinic in Nicosia, Miracle Hospital in Nicosia and Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital in Kyrenia. Before visiting, you can contact our branches to find out about sample collection, the current price and turnaround time.
Does the respiratory panel test for flu, COVID-19 and RSV?
Yes. The Wellcare respiratory panel tests for 26 targets, including influenza A and B, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and RSV. The panel also covers rhinovirus, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza viruses and certain bacterial pathogens. You can find the detailed list in the panel contents on this page.
What symptoms may warrant a respiratory PCR panel?
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches, testing may be performed if your doctor considers it necessary. Identifying the causative pathogen may help guide treatment decisions, especially in severe illness or in people at high risk of complications. A broad panel is not necessary for every mild cold; the choice of test should be based on how the result will contribute to treatment and follow-up.
How is a respiratory PCR test performed, and is a blood sample taken?
For this panel, a swab sample is usually collected from the back of the nose and/or the throat; a blood sample is not required. Sample collection is brief and may cause temporary discomfort. Collecting the sample from the correct site using the appropriate technique is important for the reliability of the test. You can contact our laboratory for information about preparation requirements before the test.
Could a PCR test be needed if my rapid flu or COVID-19 test is negative?
Yes. Negative rapid antigen test results do not always rule out infection. Molecular methods such as PCR are generally more sensitive than antigen tests. If your symptoms persist or you are at risk of severe illness, your doctor may request a PCR test. A broad respiratory panel is not necessary after every negative rapid test; the appropriate test is selected according to the clinical situation.
If bacteria are detected on the respiratory panel, do I always need antibiotics?
No; treatment decisions are not based solely on the PCR result. Some bacteria may be present in the upper respiratory tract, especially in children, without causing disease. The type of bacteria detected, symptoms and examination findings should be assessed together. Detecting a virus also does not completely rule out a concurrent bacterial infection. Your doctor should decide whether antibiotics are needed.
Does a negative respiratory PCR panel mean there is no pneumonia or infection?
No. A negative result means that the targets included in the panel were not detected in the sample collected. The timing of sample collection, sample quality and the site of infection may affect the result. Especially when pneumonia is suspected, a negative nasal or throat swab does not rule out a lower respiratory tract infection. Depending on the examination findings, your doctor may request imaging, sputum examination or other tests.