Respiratory Pathogens Panel (RPP)

Respiratory tract infections are the most frequent cause of acute illness in developed countries, with an estimated incidence of 500 million non-influenza virus respiratory infections occurring annually in the United States (1, 2). The vast majority of respiratory infections are caused by viruses, the most common of which are rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and adenovirus (3). These infections account for a substantial proportion of outpatient medical visits and are associated with an estimated $17.3 billion in direct annual costs, including more than $1.1 billion spent on an estimated 41 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for viral  infections (2).

Diagnosis of respiratory infection is based largely on clinical signs and symptoms to account for a myriad of viral etiologies that present similar clinical features. Techniques that have been used to identify specific viruses include viral culture, direct fluorescent-antibody (DFA) staining, rapid antigen determination tests (RADTs), and pathogen-specific PCR assays. However, each of these methodologies has significant limitations (4): viral culture and DFA staining are labor-intensive and require highly skilled laboratories, and culture results generally have longer turnaround times that can affect patient management. Although they produce results much  faster, RADTs are relatively insensitive, and pathogen-specific PCRs can only test for single viral etiology.

Many of these limitations can be overcome with multiplex respiratory PCR panels, which are increasingly being used in the outpatient setting for patients with upper respiratory infections (URIs). Personalized Pediatrics Laboratories completes testing with a nasopharyngeal swab, which involves a healthcare professional inserting a long swab in a nostril to collect the fluid in the back of the nose. With a single swab, our quantitative PCR assay is able to identify multiple pathogens by the DNA/RNA that is present in the patient’s fluid.

For people with a serious illness or who are at risk of complications from a respiratory infection, Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) testing can aid physicians in determining which pathogen is causing the illness and which medication would be best suited to treat the illness. An important enefit to completing RPP testing is the prevention of antibiotic resistance. Accurate diagnosis of the pathogen(s) present leads to appropriate treatment and a Personalized Pediatric Laboratories is dedicated to providing the most accurate and clinically relevant testing while using the latest technology and practices in logistics to ensure the best service. Our extensive testing menu, medical partnerships, dedicated staff, attention to detail, customer service and capabilities far exceed standard practices as PPL continues to innovate and invest in its services. PPL will always strive to be the best in order to keep up with demand and create an environment where all partnerships have the best overall services available.