Respiratory Pathogen Panel

Specimens must be transported to the Microbiology laboratory as soon as possible, but no later than 2 hours post-collection.

Please see this link for specimen collection instructions (including NP/OP).

NP swab collection video here.

**For Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an oropharyngeal swab is more sensitive than a nasopharyngeal swab. Consider sending a combined NP/OP swab if Mycoplasma is on the differential. DO NOT send separate NP and OP swabs with two orders.**

NOTE: For the most sensitive detection of Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis, the Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR test should be ordered.

Comments

• Guide to Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection
• Testing for Respiratory Viruses at UNC McLendon Laboratories (Memo #195)
• Test Information for Providers
• Test Information for Patients
• Testing performed using the FDA BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1 assay. Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information. Ct (cycle threshold) values for SARS-CoV-2 are not available for this test. 　
• This assay does not distinguish between rhinovirus and enterovirus. Lower respiratory specimens will not be tested for Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis. For nasopharyngeal swabs, cross-reactivity may occur between B. pertussis and non-pertussis Bordetella species. All positive B. pertussis results will be automatically confirmed using our in-house PCR assay for confirmation