Respiratory PCR – Extended Panel

Microbiology

Multiplex Nucleic acid amplification assay (PCR) test for the detection of:

Viruses:
- SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV (A+B), Adenovirus, Bocavirus, Seasonal Coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43), Human Metapneumovirus (A+B), Parainfluenza (1-4), Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
Bacteria:
- Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Diagnosis of respiratory infection caused by viruses and atypical bacteria.

Only performed after agreement with a Consultant Microbiologist.

Nasopharyngeal swab

Test sensitivity is dictated by the amount of virus on the swab and is therefore influenced by:
- (1) the timing of the test in relation to the symptoms and
- (2) the quality of the sample (operator-dependent).
- A result should be interpreted in light of the pre-test probability (severity of symptoms, their level of exposure, the disease in the contact); no test is 100% sensitive or specific.

Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (BAL) / Bronchial Washings (BAL)

Yellow topped Cobas swab (preferred)

Red/green topped viral swab

BAL/BW in Sputum pot or sterile universal

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘Respiratory Viral PCR Panel‘ or test code ‘LAB9702‘ and indicate that an extended panel is required.

Only tested after agreement with a Consultant Microbiologist or if patient meets previously agreed clinical criteria.

Processed locally in Microbiology at RDUH

Urgent – within 3 hours of sample receipt (During routine opening hours)

Non-urgent – within 24 hours

QIAGEN QIAstat-Dx

PLEASE NOTE: This Test/procedure is not currently included in the defined scope of the laboratory’s UKAS Accreditation, (ISO15189) schedule.

This test has passed internal laboratory verification and been reviewed clinically prior to being brought into use.