Respiratory Pathogens Panel
Reviewed
Also called: RP panel, Respiratory virus profile, Multiplex respiratory panel, Syndromic multiplex panel
A respiratory pathogens (RP) panel checks for pathogens in your respiratory tract. A pathogen is a virus, bacteria, or other organism that causes an illness.
Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swab or nasal aspirate
Why this test may be ordered
- Symptoms of a respiratory infection while seriously ill or hospitalized
- Higher risk of complications from a respiratory infection
- To identify the cause and guide the best treatment
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a respiratory pathogens panel.
Nasopharyngeal swab: You will tip your head back. Your provider will gently insert a swab into your nostril, pushing it until you feel it stopping. Nasal aspirate: Your provider will squirt a saline solution (salt water) into your nose and remove the sample with gentle suction.
The swab test may tickle your throat or cause you to cough. The nasal aspirate may be uncomfortable or cause your eyes to tear. These effects are temporary.
Understanding results
To understand the results of a respiratory pathogens panel, your provider may consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other blood tests.
- Negative: A negative result may mean your symptoms were caused by a pathogen not included in the panel of tests. Limitation: It could also mean that your sample was not collected correctly, the sample wasn't large enough, or you have a condition not caused by a virus or bacteria. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Positive for one or more pathogens: A positive result means a specific pathogen was found. It tells you which type of infection you have. Limitation: If more than one part of the panel was positive, it means you may be infected with more than one pathogen. This is known as a co-infection. Next step: Based on your results, your provider will recommend treatment and/or order more tests. These may include a bacteria culture, viral blood tests, and a Gram stain. The tests may help confirm your diagnosis and guide treatment.
- Panels vary in which pathogens they test for.
- A negative result may mean the cause is a pathogen not on the panel.
- A sample that is too small or not collected correctly can affect results.
What to do next
Based on your results, your provider will recommend treatment and/or order more tests. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Which infections does this panel check for?
- Will I need antibiotics based on the result?
- How can I avoid spreading my infection to others?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Respiratory Pathogens Panel