RPP TESTING
BIOTAP Medical Molecular Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP)
Rapid and sensitive PCR detection of 10 common respiratory tract
pathogens that have divergent treatment options.
Background of URTI
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the top infections is the US, accounting for over 10 million outpatient visits and an excess of $22 billion in healthcare costs each year.
The differential diagnosis of URTI is broad, with several overlapping symptoms and many different possible pathogens as the root cause. Treatment options and isolation guidelines differ depending on what organism is causing the illness, for example, COVID-19 vs influenza vs bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics while viral infections cannot. Likewise, certain viruses can be treated with antiviral medications while others cannot.
Delayed treatment can lead not only to person-to-person spread, but also to complications including secondary bacterial infection, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as exacerbation of preexisting conditions like asthma and COPD.
Fast and accurate identification of the pathogen causing the infection can inform
patient management decisions, reduce transmission, and improve outcomes.
Respiratory Pathogen Panel: Is it bacterial or viral?
BIOTAP’s Molecular RPP detects 4 viruses and 6 bacteria that commonly cause URTIs and which indicate divergent therapeutic options. Rapid identification of the specific pathogen causing infection can guide different treatment decisions such as:
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Whether an antibiotic or antiviral therapy in indicated
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What class of antibiotic or antiviral therapies may be most effective
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What supportive therapies should be considered
Pathogens Identified by BIOTAP Medical's RPP
Other “common cold” organisms known to cause URTIs but that don’t have unique therapies associated with the infection are not included in this panel.
Knowing the Pathogen Changes Treatment Decisions
Testing logistics
Sample types: Acceptable specimen types for RPP testing include nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, anterior nasal (NS) swabs, or oropharyngeal (OP) swabs in viral transport media (VTM). BIOTAP Medical can provide all collection and shipping materials necessary to submit samples for testing.
Sample handling and stability: Samples are stable at room temperature or refrigerated (preferred) for up to 4 days after collection. Samples received beyond 4 days old will be rejected. Samples can be shipped via UPS overnight, or, depending on location, sent via courier overnight. Please contact BIOTAP Medical to inquire about options.
Results and turnaround time: Results will be available within 24-48 hours from receipt in the laboratory. Testing is performed Monday – Friday. Result reports are available on a secure, HIPAA-complaint web-based portal.
Improve
Patient
Management
Prevent
Transmission
to others
Treat Faster
to Decrease
Secondary
Infection
Decrease
Inappropriate
Antibiotic or
Antiviral Use
BIOTAP Medical is your trusted partner for testing.
BIOTAP Medical is a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified high-complexity clinical laboratory specializing in clinical toxicology, pharmacogenetics, and molecular infectious disease testing. BIOTAP’s goal is to support healthcare providers in improving the lives of the patients they serve.
Contact us today to learn more about molecular RPP testing with BIOTAP Medical.