Unless you were lucky enough to be stuck on a spaceship for the past couple years, you’ve likely heard of COVID-19. This virus caused a once-in-a-century impact on our health, affecting the population of almost every country on the planet for the first time in over 30 plus years. Luckily, there have been advancements in testing for pathogens related to Covid-19 like the Respiratory Pathogen Panel.
In the beginning, detection of this virus was limited, and physicians (across the world for that matter) quickly found out our traditional testing methodology wasn’t up to the challenges that COVID-19 presented.
In a literal arms race to find and produce the best detection methods, many companies have come up with innovative ideas to produce timely and accurate results. One of those innovations is the RPP or respiratory pathogen panel.
The RPP has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for COVID-19 with the ability to simultaneously detect multiple pathogens causing respiratory infections (including the SARS-COV-2 virus – the one responsible for COVID-19) along with a wide range of other pathogen types.
With that being said, today we’re going to discuss what the RPP is along with the potential applications of RPP in helping diagnose COVID-19.
What is a Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) Test?
A respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) is a diagnostic test with the ability to identify multiple respiratory pathogens causing infections from a single patient sample.
Like the PCR (or polymerase chain reaction) test, the RPP provides results by amplifying the nucleic acid – the DNA or the RNA – within the pathogen to detect what pathogen is causing the illness. These include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- And more
What makes the RPP test so innovative is the ability to distinguish among similar respiratory illnesses. This reduces the number of tests to just one single test compared to the traditional model of multiple separate tests for individual pathogens.
The RPP offers numerous benefits which include:
- Increased sensitivity
- Improved specificity to multiple pathogens
- Greater efficiency in the testing process
- Decreased risk of unnecessary antibiotic use due to poor pathogen detection
What Can A RPP Test Show?
The RPP can provide a wealth of information about the presence and identity of respiratory pathogens causing infection, along with:
- Detection of viruses, bacteria, and fungi from only a single sample from the patient.
- Identification of the pathogen likely responsible for the respiratory illness
- The potential to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, which can help guide treatment decisions.
- The ability to identify multiple pathogens.
- Information on the susceptibility of the pathogen to antimicrobial agents, which can guide treatment decisions and help reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics.
- Improved sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional testing methods, which can lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis of respiratory infections.
Role of RPP in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment
The conventional mode for testing COVID-19 relies heavily on testing methods commonly called the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and the antigen test.
However, here’s the problem; these tests (specifically the antigen test) have significant limitations due to the potential for false negatives and positives – while also requiring multiple tests for confirmation of additional pathogens.
RPP testing on the other hand provides a more comprehensive approach to respiratory pathogen detection. This can help overcome the limitations of traditional testing methods and lead to more accurate and timely COVID-19 diagnosis.
RPP can also enable rapid identification of co-infections that may contribute to more severe disease outcomes.
Overall, RPP has the potential to play a critical role in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19, and could have important implications for improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of the virus.
How An RPP Medical Test Is Conducted for COVID-19
Luckily, the RPP test is a straightforward test, but still requires the patient to travel to a lab for the most accurate test possible. You can generally expect a RPP test to go like this:
- Collection: This can be done using various methods, such as a nasal swab, throat swab, or sputum sample.
- Extraction: The next step is extracting the needed genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the pathogens in the sample. This involves breaking open the cells of the pathogens and isolating their nucleic acids.
- Amplification: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other amplification methods are used to multiply the amount of pathogen genetic material present in the sample, making it easier to detect.
- Detection: The amplified genetic material is then tested for the presence of specific genetic sequences that are unique to the target pathogens.
- Interpretation: The results of the RPP test are analyzed and interpreted by laboratory personnel. The test can detect the presence or absence of specific respiratory pathogens, which can help guide treatment decisions.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the RPP test is a promising diagnostic tool for the detection of respiratory pathogens, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. Compared to traditional testing methods, RPPs offers several advantages, quickly making it a choice by leading physicians for aiding in the fight against COVID. If you’re interested in learning more, or getting a respiratory pathogen panel yourself, contact LUX Diagnostics to get one scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of RPP over traditional testing methods?
Compared to traditional testing methods, RPP testing offers several benefits, including increased sensitivity and specificity, the ability to detect multiple respiratory pathogens from a single sample, and the potential to reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics. Additionally, RPP testing can provide more rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory infections, leading to better patient outcomes.
How long does it take to get RPP test results?
The time it takes to receive RPP test results can vary depending on the specific test and the laboratory conducting the test. However, most RPP tests can provide results within a few hours to a few days, which is generally faster than traditional testing methods.
Which pathogens can be detected by RPP?
RPP testing can detect a wide range of respiratory pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Some common pathogens that can be detected by RPP testing include influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus, adenovirus, and pneumonia-causing bacteria. The specific pathogens detected can vary depending on the specific RPP test used.
Can RPP testing distinguish between viral and bacterial infections?
Yes, RPP testing can help distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. While RPP tests cannot definitively diagnose a bacterial infection, they can identify the presence of bacterial pathogens and provide information on their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. This can help guide treatment decisions and reduce the use of unnecessary antibiotics.
