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Respiratory Pathogen Panel Testing for Patients in New Jersey and Across the U.S.

Lab Technician Administering Test

Healthcare providers rely on TOPLAB® to provide rapid, accurate laboratory analysis to aid in proper diagnosis. Our respiratory pathogen panel tests can be used to detect the presence of a wide range of respiratory infections. Based in New Jersey and serving healthcare providers and patients throughout the United States, TOPLAB® offers a comprehensive suite of lab testing and analysis services.

What Is a Respiratory Pathogen Panel?

A respiratory pathogen panel is a test used to identify specific pathogens to determine if a person has a respiratory illness. This test takes a sample of cells (usually via a nasal swab) from a patient who is exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection. The test is quick and can help confirm a diagnosis for several viruses and bacterial infections, such as:

  • Adenovirus
  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Coronavirus
  • Influenza
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Whooping cough

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection (such as coughing, sore throat, or congestion), or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take a respiratory pathogen panel. There are many types of viral and bacterial infections that can occur in the respiratory tract, so it’s crucial to get the right diagnosis.

Taking a Respiratory Pathogen Panel Test

This test is typically administered using a nasal swab. Unlike a blood test, you won’t need to fast beforehand. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about how to prepare for the test. Typically, a lab technician will perform the test by inserting a swab into one or both of your nostrils, which takes just a couple of seconds. You may feel slight discomfort, and sometimes the swab can make your eyes water.

Getting Your Test Results

Once your test is complete, it will be securely transported to our clinical reference laboratory for analysis. If your test is positive, it means that a specific pathogen was detected in your sample. The test will confirm which type of infection you have, such as the flu. If your test is negative, it means that the pathogens the test checks for were not found in your sample. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your test results and, in the event of a positive result, recommend the best course of treatment.

TOPLAB® clients benefit from access to a secure, user-friendly patient portal. Once you’ve taken a respiratory pathogen panel, you can track your test, so you’ll be able to see your results as soon as they are available. The TOPLAB® patient portal is HIPAA-compliant and available 24/7.

Count on TOPLAB® for Clinical Reference Lab Services

When you aren’t feeling well, you want to know what’s wrong as quickly as possible. With TOPLAB®, clients have access to safe and reliable respiratory pathogen panel testing. We’re headquartered in NJ and serve patients and healthcare providers nationwide. For more information about our lab testing services, contact us today.