April 2023
Ampath | ampath.co.za
Overview
Ampath offers a wide range of multiplex PCR panels for respiratory pathogens. These include:
- Smaller, targeted panels.
- Comprehensive panels.
- Biofire® panels for upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
The clinician selects the most appropriate test based on clinical suspicion, pathogen risk, urgency, cost, and medical aid reimbursement.
Targeted Panels
1. SARS-CoV-2 / Influenza / RSV Panel
- Mnemonic: COVTRIPCR
- Detects:
- Influenza A (not subtyped)
- Influenza B
- SARS-CoV-2
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) A & B
- Sample types:
- Nasopharyngeal swab
- Nasal swab
- Nasal wash/aspirate
2. Atypical Bacterial PCR Panel
- Mnemonic: BACPMPCR
- Detects:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Legionella species
- Sample types:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
- Nasopharyngeal aspirate
- Nasopharyngeal swab
- Throat swab
- Sputum
- Tracheal aspirate
- Pleural fluid
- Tissue
3. Pertussis PCR Panel
- Mnemonic: BPPCR
- Detects:
- Bordetella pertussis
- Bordetella parapertussis
- Bordetella holmesii
- Sample types:
- Same as Atypical Bacterial PCR above
Comprehensive Panels
1. Core Respiratory Virus Panel
- Mnemonic: RVCORPCR
- Sample types:
- Nasopharyngeal swab
- Nasopharyngeal aspirate
- Nasal mid-turbinate swab
- Throat swab
- Sputum
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
- Tracheal aspirate
2. Comprehensive Respiratory Virus Panel
- Mnemonic: RPCOMPCR
- Sample types:
- Same as Core Respiratory Panel
3. Biofire® Respiratory Pathogens Panel
- Mnemonic: RESPMPCR
- Sample types:
- Nasopharyngeal swab
- Nasopharyngeal aspirate
- Throat swab
4. Biofire® Pneumonia Panel
- Mnemonic: PNEUMOPCR
- Sample types:
- Sputum
- Tracheal aspirate
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Note: Biofire® panels are reimbursed by most medical schemes for hospitalised patients when requested by a specialist. Preauthorisation is not required. Not all schemes reimburse.
Panel Components
Core Respiratory Virus Panel includes:
- SARS-CoV-2
- Influenza A (not subtyped)
- Influenza B
- RSV A & B
- Adenovirus
- Metapneumovirus
- Parainfluenza viruses
- Rhinovirus
Comprehensive Respiratory Virus Panel includes everything in the core panel, plus:
- Influenza A (subtyped)
- Parainfluenza 1–4
- Enterovirus
- Coronaviruses 229E, NL63, and OC43
- Bocavirus
Biofire® Respiratory Pathogens Panel detects:
- Viruses:
- SARS-CoV-2
- Influenza A (subtyped)
- Influenza B
- RSV A & B
- Adenovirus
- Metapneumovirus
- Parainfluenza 1–4
- Rhino/enterovirus
- Coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1
- Bacteria:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Legionella pneumophila
- Bordetella pertussis
- Bordetella parapertussis
Biofire® Pneumonia Panel detects:
- Viruses:
- Influenza A
- Influenza B
- RSV A & B
- Adenovirus
- Metapneumovirus
- Parainfluenza 1–4
- Rhino/enterovirus
- Coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1
- MERS-CoV
- Note: SARS-CoV-2 is not included
- Bacteria:
- Acinetobacter baumannii complex
- Enterobacter cloacae complex
- Escherichia coli
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Klebsiella aerogenes
- Klebsiella oxytoca
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Proteus species
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Serratia marcescens
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Resistance genes:
- Carbapenemases: NDM, KPC, IMP, OXA-48, VIM
- ESBL: CTX-M
- MRSA: mecA/C, MREJ
📌 For cost, sample requirements, or clinical guidance, contact your local Ampath representative.