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Test Code Respiratory Pathogen Panel Respiratory Pathogen Panel

Important Note

NOTE: The ePlex Respiratory Pathogen Panel has two different targets for human coronaviruses:  Coronaviruses 229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43 will be reported as "Coronavirus".  SARS CoV-2 (novel coronavirus) will be reported as SARS-COV-2.  This assay does NOT detect MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

 

The following is the recommended testing protocol:

  1. In an OTHERWISE HEALTHY PERSON presenting with respiratory symptoms, consider testing for “Rapid Strep” and “Influenza/RSV/CoVID”. If all are negative, no additional testing is recommend unless clinically indicated.
  2. For PEDIATRICS:  If the patient is less than 2 months old, has been admitted to the hospital, or has a repeat visit to the Emergency Department with the same symptoms, consider testing for “Rapid Strep” and “Influenza/RSV/CoVID". If initial Influenza/RSV/CoVID results are negative, consider adding on the full Respiratory Pathogen Panel
  3. For those ADULTS who are CRITICALLY ILL or IMMUNOCOMPROMISED, consider testing for “Rapid Strep”, and “Influenza/RSV/CoVID".  If initial Influenza/RSV/CoVID results are negative, consider adding on the the full Respiratory Pathogen Panel.

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Universal Viral Transport Media

Specimen Volume: 3mL

Collection Instructions:

     1. Collection from Nasopharynx

     2. Refer to Microbiology Specimen Collection Procedure for collection instructions

 

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens (specimen source is required):

Preferred:

Nasopharyngeal Swab: Flocked swab in universal viral transport media. Send specimen refrigerated.

 

Alternate:

Nasopharyngeal Wash: Minimum 2 mL of nasopharyngeal wash in a sterile container. Send specimen refrigerated. Note: Excessive wash volume may result in decreased test performance.

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate: Minimum 0.5 mL of nasopharyngeal aspirate in a sterile container containing 2 mL of saline. Send specimen refrigerated.

Specimen Collection Instructions

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday – Sunday

Test takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Reference Values

This assay tests for the following respiratory pathogens. The normal range is Not Detected:

Coronavirus (strains 229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43) and Novel Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2 / CoVID) are reported separately. This assay does NOT detect MERS.

Adenovirus

Human Metapneumovirus

Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus

Influenza A & B

Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, and 4

RSV

Chlamydia pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Performing Laboratory

Beebe Healthcare Laboratory

Performing Location

Margaret H. Rollins Laboratory