Pneumonia Plus Panel Test: Comprehensive Respiratory Pathogen Detection
Understanding the Pneumonia Plus Panel Test
The Pneumonia Plus Panel Test represents a revolutionary advancement in respiratory infection diagnostics, utilizing state-of-the-art Film Array Multiplex PCR technology to provide comprehensive pathogen detection in respiratory specimens. This sophisticated molecular diagnostic tool simultaneously identifies 27+ different pathogens that commonly cause pneumonia and other respiratory infections, delivering same-day results that enable healthcare providers to make rapid, informed treatment decisions.
Traditional diagnostic methods for pneumonia often require multiple tests and extended waiting periods, delaying appropriate treatment. The Pneumonia Plus Panel Test streamlines this process by consolidating numerous pathogen detections into a single, efficient panel. This comprehensive approach is particularly valuable in emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient settings where timely diagnosis directly impacts patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
What the Test Measures and Detects
The Pneumonia Plus Panel Test employs advanced molecular technology to detect a comprehensive range of respiratory pathogens:
Bacterial Pathogens
- Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex
- Serratia marcescens
- Proteus species
- Klebsiella pneumoniae group
- Klebsiella aerogenes
- Enterobacter cloacae complex
- Escherichia coli
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Klebsiella oxytoca
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Streptococcus agalactiae
Atypical Bacteria
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Legionella pneumophila
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Viral Pathogens
- Adenovirus
- Coronavirus
- Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus
- Influenza A
- Influenza B
- MERS Coronavirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – MEC gene
- Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)
- New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)
- OXA-48 carbapenemase
- CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
- Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase (VIM)
- Imipenemase metallo-beta-lactamase (IMP)
Who Should Consider This Test
The Pneumonia Plus Panel Test is recommended for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms or those at increased risk for respiratory infections:
Symptoms Indicating Need for Testing
- Persistent cough with or without sputum production
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
- Fever, chills, and sweating
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in older adults)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
High-Risk Patient Groups
- Hospitalized patients with suspected pneumonia
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Elderly patients (65 years and older)
- Patients with chronic lung conditions (COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis)
- Individuals with heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions
- Patients who have failed initial antibiotic therapy
- Healthcare workers with respiratory symptoms
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Benefits of Taking the Pneumonia Plus Panel Test
Choosing the Pneumonia Plus Panel Test offers numerous advantages for both patients and healthcare providers:
Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis
The test provides same-day results, significantly reducing the time to diagnosis compared to traditional culture methods that can take 48-72 hours. This rapid turnaround enables immediate implementation of targeted therapy, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing hospital stays.
Comprehensive Pathogen Detection
Unlike single-pathogen tests, this panel simultaneously detects 27+ different pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and atypical organisms. This comprehensive approach ensures that mixed infections or uncommon pathogens are not missed, providing a complete picture of the infectious etiology.
Antimicrobial Stewardship
By identifying specific pathogens and their resistance markers, the test supports appropriate antibiotic selection, helping to combat antimicrobial resistance. Physicians can avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics when not indicated and choose targeted therapies based on the detected resistance genes.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Early and accurate diagnosis leads to timely, appropriate treatment, which can reduce complications, shorten illness duration, and decrease mortality rates associated with severe pneumonia. The test also helps prevent unnecessary antibiotic exposure and its associated side effects.
Cost-Effective Healthcare
By consolidating multiple tests into one panel and providing rapid results, the test can reduce overall healthcare costs through decreased hospital stays, fewer diagnostic procedures, and more efficient use of antimicrobial agents.
Understanding Your Test Results
Interpreting your Pneumonia Plus Panel Test results requires professional medical expertise, but here’s a general guide to understanding the findings:
Positive Results
A positive result indicates the presence of one or more pathogens in your respiratory sample. Your physician will interpret which specific organisms were detected and their clinical significance. The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes will guide antibiotic selection, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment.
Negative Results
A negative result suggests that none of the 27+ pathogens included in the panel were detected in your sample. However, this does not completely rule out respiratory infection, as the test may not detect organisms outside its detection panel or infections with very low pathogen loads.
Mixed Infections
The test may detect multiple pathogens, indicating a mixed infection. This information is crucial for your physician to develop a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses all contributing organisms.
Clinical Correlation
Your physician will correlate the test results with your clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, and other laboratory tests to make a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. The presence of a pathogen does not always indicate active disease, as some organisms can be part of normal respiratory flora.
Test Information and Pricing
| Test Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Pneumonia Plus Panel Test |
| Regular Price | $876 USD |
| Discount Price | $676 USD |
| Turnaround Time | Sample Daily by 1 pm; Report Same Day |
| Sample Type | Submit 2 mL (1 mL min.) Sputum OR Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) OR Endotracheal secretions (ET) in a sterile screw capped container. Ship refrigerated. DO NOT FREEZE. |
| Methodology | Film Array Multiplex PCR |
| Test Components | 27+ Pathogens including bacteria, viruses, atypical bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance genes |
| Pre-test Instructions | No special preparation required |
Nationwide Availability and Booking
We have diagnostic branches conveniently located across the United States, serving major metropolitan areas including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest diagnostic technology and staffed by experienced healthcare professionals.
To schedule your Pneumonia Plus Panel Test or to speak with one of our healthcare specialists about your respiratory symptoms, please contact us today. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing respiratory infections effectively.
Call or WhatsApp: +1(267) 388-9828
Our dedicated team is available to answer your questions, assist with scheduling, and provide guidance on sample collection and transportation. Don’t let respiratory symptoms go undiagnosed – take the first step toward accurate diagnosis and effective treatment with our comprehensive Pneumonia Plus Panel Test.
