RPP

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A Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP), also known as a Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) or Multiplex Respiratory Panel (MRP), is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool designed to identify multiple respiratory viruses and bacteria responsible for respiratory infections. These infections can range from mild conditions, like the common cold, to more severe illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

The RPP test employs advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), to detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of specific pathogens from respiratory specimens like nasal swabs, throat swabs, or sputum samples.

This comprehensive panel can detect a variety of viruses, including:

• Influenza viruses (types A and B)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Adenovirus
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)
• Rhinovirus
• Coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19)
• Other respiratory viruses

In addition to viral detection, the RPP test may also identify bacterial pathogens such as:

• Bordetella pertussis (the bacterium causing whooping cough)
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae

By simultaneously detecting multiple pathogens, RPP tests empower healthcare providers to rapidly diagnose respiratory infections, optimize treatment decisions, and implement necessary infection control measures—critical in environments like hospitals and long-term care facilities.

While RPP tests are powerful diagnostic tools, they may not detect all possible respiratory pathogens. Therefore, it’s essential that healthcare providers interpret results in conjunction with clinical judgment for accurate diagnosis and patient care management.