Test guide
Respiratory Pathogen Panel
Multiplex PCR detecting 10–20+ respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria from one specimen.
What it is for
Identifies influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, Mycoplasma and other targets in a single run. Used for hospitalized patients, immunocompromised hosts, and outbreak investigation where broad differential matters.
Limitations
Detects nucleic acid, not viable organism; detects DNA of colonizing bacteria such as Mycoplasma may not imply disease. Cost is higher than singleplex assays and not every panel result changes management for mild illness.
Before you test
For individuals: one swab covers all targets on the panel. Discuss with your clinician whether a full panel is needed or a targeted test is enough.
Health information only. This guide does not diagnose or replace advice from a healthcare professional.
Also known as
- respiratory panel
- multiplex respiratory PCR
- RP panel
Reviewed products
Editor-curated products linked to this test. Verification status and sources are shown on each product page.
Novacyt (Primerdesign) · verified 2026-10-03
