Respiratory pathogen (RP) PCR panel

TEST DESCRIPTION

Molecular amplification test that detects a broad array of respiratory viruses and bacteria using a multiplex real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method with duplicate microarray targets. The following pathogens are detected by the panel: 

Methodology

Microarray PCR

Reference range

Not detected for each pathogen

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. Results are typically available within one business day after specimen receipt.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

• Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport medium (VTM)
• Detailed collection instructions appear below

SPECIMEN STORAGE& TRANSPORT

Store and transport refrigerated (2°C–8°C/35.6°F–46.4°F) for up to 72 hours. 

REJECTION CRITERIA

• Holding time greater than 72 hours
• Specimen container not labeled 
• Specimen container has leaked or is not sealed properly 
• Swab specimens that are missing the swab, contain multiple swabs, or contain the wrong swab

CODES

CPT: 87633
LOINC: 82159-5
Test code: 6310

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.

DETAILED SPECIMEN COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Collect respiratory specimens during acute phase of illness
2. Nasopharyngeal swab in VTM
   1. Ask the patient to blow their nose to clear their nasal passage and tilt the patient’s head backwards.
   2. Swiftly insert the small swab into one nostril straight back (not upwards) at a depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of the ear (see image). 
   3. Firmly rotate the swab up to 5 times and hold in place for 5-10 seconds to collect epithelial cells. 
   4. Repeat with the other nostril using the same swab. 
   5. Snap the swab at the scored breakpoint line; place swab into VTM tube; close the tube tightly and place in a biohazard bag.