Your Partner in Health and Wellness
Location
Respiratory Tract Infection Panel
WHAT IS THE MULTIPLEX PCR RESPIRATORY PANEL?
Different viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections can produce similar symptoms. The Multiplex PCR Respiratory Panel helps determine the cause of the infection by testing 26 pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, in a single run.
SAMPLE COLLECTION AND SAMPLE TYPE
The test is performed on swab samples taken from the back of the nose (nasopharynx) and the throat (oropharynx). In suspected pneumonia, a negative result does not rule out infection; the physician may request a sputum/lower respiratory tract sample and a urinary Legionella antigen test. Sample collection is a quick procedure.
WHY IS IDENTIFYING THE INFECTIOUS AGENT IMPORTANT?
- Guides appropriate treatment: Helps create a treatment and follow-up plan directed at the pathogen.
- Supports rational drug use: Helps reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics and other medications.
- Supports patient monitoring: Aids clinical evaluation, especially in people in risk groups.
- Helps reduce transmission: Supports the planning of appropriate protective measures.
Test results are evaluated by the physician together with the patient's symptoms and examination findings.
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.