| Test: | Respiratory Pathogen Panel |
| Synonym: | Virus Respiratory PCR, FilmArray Respiratory Panel |
| Method: | Qualitative nucleic acid amplified multiplex PCR assay |
| Availability: | Varies according to test volume; refer to laboratory for testing interval. Specimens received by 0400 on testing days will have same day results. |
| Specimen: | Nasopharyngeal wash, nasopharyngeal swab, or BAL |
| Collection Device: | Universal viral transport media (1 - 2 mL), Starswab viral transport tube, or sterile tube for BAL. |
| Volume: | Collect 2 - 3 mL nasopharyngeal wash (using normal saline) or 2 - 3 mL BAL |
| Storage/Transport: | Store refrigerated and transport within 72 hours |
| Unacceptable: | Slides, smears; unacceptable specimens (sputum; tracheal aspirate; lung tissue biopsy; and pleural fluid); samples collected in non-viral transport media or using a bacterial culture swab; dry swabs; wood shaft or calcium alginate swabs; samples collected in EIA or ProbeTec transport media |
| Specimen Stability: | Refrigerated, 72 hours |
| Reference Interval: | Negative for Influenza Type A virus, Influenza A subtype H1 virus (seasonal), Influenza A subtype H1 virus (pandemic 2009), Influenza A subtype H3 virus (seasonal), Influenza B virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Parainfluenza viruses (1, 2, 3 and 4), Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus (HKU1, NL63, 229E, and OC43), Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae |
| Reportable Disease: | A positive Adenovirus, Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, RSV, or Bordetella pertussis result is reportable |
| Comments: | This test is now being recommended for the management of severely ill or hospitalized patients. Subtyping influenza may be helpful in predicting antiviral susceptibility. |
| Revised: | 10/3/2013 |