The Respiratory Pathogen Testing Panels
Respiratory 4-Pathogen Multiplex & Expanded Pathogen Panels
Chicagoland, this 2022-2023 Flu Season is threatening to be a challenging one! This year we are facing new risks:
- Expanded and Intensified Flu Symptoms
- Potential New Covid Variants
- Outbreak & Increase in RSV cases affecting children with severe threatening symptoms
Because we are experiencing Infections of the respiratory tract caused by a wide variety of viruses and bacteria, it is essential to make the correct diagnosis. In many cases, symptoms are similar, but treatment can differ greatly.
NTL Laboratory’s solution is our Respiratory 4 Pathogen PCR Multiples Panel which includes: SARS 2 (Covid), Influenza A & B, And Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) by PCR Multiplex.
Infections of the respiratory tract can be caused by a wide variety of viruses and bacteria. In many cases, symptoms are similar, but treatment can differ greatly. This is why it is essential to make the correct diagnosis.
Respiratory infections may lead to life-treating complications. In most cases can cause mild to moderate symptoms. Infectious Disease can be deadly for young children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems.
Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children and elderly worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory symptoms is critical to improve children and elderly survival. (WHO, 2022)

This is why it is essential to make the correct diagnosis. Young children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are at high risk for the infectious disease to turn deadly, Children are getting sick in record numbers, and very quickly. Hospitals are full, and parents are being encouraged to treat their children at home. It is more critical than ever to ensure that the correct treatment is given.
Treatment that is early and effective can save lives, reduce hospital stays and prevent unnecessary or inappropriate prescriptions of medications. This can be achieved by diagnosing quickly and accurately. The most effective means to achieve this is to complete a Respiratory Pathogen Panel, or RPP.
What are RPP (Respiratory Pathogen Panels)?
An RPP is a comprehensive assay that tests for multiple respiratory pathogens simultaneously.
The RPP:
- Identifies what the respiratory infection is (and isn’t)
- Combines all tests in one array
- Detects viral and bacterial pathogens
- Includes specimens from the upper and lower respiratory tract
- Uses DNA/RNA to identify the organism
Testing with an RPP eliminates the need for secondary or confirmatory testing to facilitate clinical decision-making. It provides a comprehensive infection profile for the patient so that a quick, accurate diagnosis can be made.
What pathogens can be detected with RPP testing?
Whether you are trying to identify bacterial infections such as pneumonia or pertussis or wanting tests for flu, the RPP can answer your questions. RPP testing at NTL includes:

- SARS-CoV-2
- Influenza A
- Influenza B
- Adenovirus
- Human Bocavirus
- Human Corona 229E
- Human Corona OC43
- Human Corona NL63
- Human Corona HKU1
- Parainfluenza 1
- Parainfluenza 2
- Parainfleunza 3
- Parainfluenza 4
- Human Metapneumoviruses
- Rhinovirus Oligo Set 1
- Human Rhinovirus
- Human Parechovirus

- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
- Chlamydophila Pneumoniae
- Haemophilus Influenzae
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- Legionella Pneumoniae
- Bordetella Pertussis

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus A/B
Why NTL is the best choice for your RPP Testing
You need quick and accurate results? NTL’s laboratory is ready for you. We developed and manufactured our own reagents and fastest extraction technology to provide you with rapid, accurate results.
Clinicians and patients can easily access us throughout the Chicagoland area. We are prepared to collect the specimens you order, analyze them, and report the results to you quickly. You can be confident you have the information you need to provide effective treatment.