Respiratory Virus Multiplex RT-PCR

Diagnostic Use

Acute respiratory pathogen infections are common causes of acute local and systemic disease with substantial morbidity and mortality in paediatric, adult and immunocompromised patients.

The FTD respiratory pathogens assay is a qualitative in vitro nucleic acid amplification tests for the detection and differentiation of specific viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal specimens of human origin and is an aid in the diagnosis of respiratory infections caused by the various agents above.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

IRNA

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Swab samples can be shared for SARS-CoV-2, Rapid Influenza/RSV

Laboratory

Requests are batch tested daily Monday - Friday, approx 1100; results available mid-late afternoon. Urgent or weekend testing must be discussed with and approved by a Microbiologist.

Test Adds

After processing, samples for rapid respiratory screening are stored for 4 weeks before discard. Add-on requests for Respiratory Multiplex PCR may be made for other appropriate tests during this time frame by contacting Virology if clinical indications are met. Approval from a Microbiologist may be required..

Synonyms

Adenovirus respiratory DNA
Human metapneumovirus RNA
Parainfluenzavirus RNA
Rhinovirus RNA
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Full Resp panel
Respiratory panel

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

5189

Specimen Type

• Nasopharyngeal Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Swab - Viral

Acceptable

• Pottle

Additional Specimen Information

The preferred samples for respiratory viral PCR are Nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate in virus transport medium (VTM)

Lower respiratory tract specimens (BAL, BW), nasal wash, and sputum specimens may be tested .

Respiratory pathogen detection depends on the collection of high quality specimens, their rapid transport to the laboratory plus appropriate handling prior to laboratory testing.

Samples should be taken as early as possible within the first 3-5 days after onset of symptoms.

For current Respiratory Virus Streaming protocols and testing algorithms, please check PRISM (COVID portal).

Testing of full multiplex panel is targeted to patients who are immunocompromised, requiring intensive care, or otherwise highly vulnerable. Please note relevant clinical details on requests to ensure the multiplex panel is added on.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

Single or multiple viruses may be detected. All viruses will be reported.

Assistance with interpretation is available from the Virology/Serology Service 0800 THE LAB extn 80356

Test Method

Multiplex RT-PCR for detection of influenza A virus, influenza A(H1N1) virus (swine-lineage), influenza B virus,
human rhinovirus, human seasonal coronaviruses NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1, human parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4,
human metapneumoviruses A/B, human bocavirus, human respiratory syncytial viruses A/B, human adenovirus,
enterovirus, human parechovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Non-Funded Test Cost

$211.91 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

5189

Test Availability - Daily Mon - Fri. Weekends and after hours after consultation

Resources

• Swab Guide
• Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection

Contact Information

Enquiry Form