Respiratory Panel

Description: 
Qualitative molecular respiratory panel assay for the detection of nuceic acid from both viral and bacterial targets by multiplex tandem PCR, including specific SARS-CoV-2 gene sequences Orf1a & Orf8. This assay will detect Influenza A (including H1 typing, and H3 typing), Influenza B, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Seasonal Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Parainfluenza including typing, human Parechovirus, Enterovirus, Rhinovirus, human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bordetella (B. pertussis, B. holmesii, B. bronchiseptica, B. parapertussis), Legionella (L. pneumophila, L. longbeachae), Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, Pneumocystis jiroveci and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Clinical details: 
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by a wide range of pathogens which are rarely clinically distinguishable. Correct and early identification has important treatment and infection control implications. Further comprehensive information is available in specific GSTT Infection control guidelines via the GTi website or by contacting the virology SpR on x83140 or Duty Consultant via the switchboard.
Reference range: 

Not Applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
Influenza, flu', COVID-19, bronchiolitis, coryza, Mycoplasma, Legionnaires, PCP, Pertussis, whooping cough, infection control
Units: 
Qualitative Test - Detected/Not Detected
Sample type and Volume required: 
Nose & Throat Swabs (NTS), and Post Mortem Lung Swabs using a standard viral swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM). Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (NPA) and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) use a sterile universal with no additives with minimum volume of 250ul, but ideally 500ul). For Endotracheal Tract (ETT) Secretions use a self-sealed valved container with no additives. Expectorated sputum is not suitable. If specifically wanting to test for Pertussis also send a pernasal swab for culture.
Turnaround time: 
1 -2 working days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples should be sent to CSR promptly as the sensitivity of assays that detect RNA/DNA depend on sample quality/integrity. Please store samples in a refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR. Do NOT send samples via the air chute system.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 06/10/2023