We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

BioFire Diagnostics

BioFire Diagnostics, a subsidiary of bioMérieux SA, offers easy-to-use clinical molecular diagnostic solutions based ... read more Featured Products: More products

Download Mobile App




Pneumonia Panel Evaluated for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Jul 2020
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are clinical conditions that arise throughout the population. More...
Community-acquired pneumonia is estimated to be the most common cause of infectious disease-related mortality in the USA and globally and is a leading cause of hospital and emergency room visits.

Bacteria and viruses are the most common etiologies of lower respiratory tract infections. Patients with viral pneumonia may be managed differently than those with bacterial infections, but due to similarities in clinical presentation and symptomatology, it is not possible to distinguish viral from bacterial infections without the aid of laboratory diagnostic testing.

A large team of scientists collaborating with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, NE, USA) assessed the performance of the BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (PN panel) and Pneumonia Plus Panel (PNplus panel) (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, UT, USA). The panels are FDA-cleared sample-to-answer assay that enables the detection of viruses, atypical bacteria, bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance marker genes from lower respiratory tract specimens (sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] fluid). The team prospectively collected respiratory specimens (846 BAL and 836 sputum specimens) evaluated with the PN panel were also tested by quantitative reference culture and molecular methods for comparison.

The investigators reported that the PN panel detected at least one analyte in 413 of 846 BAL specimens and in 602 of 836 sputum specimens for an overall positivity rate of 48.8% and 72.0%, respectively. Co-detections were observed in 37.8% (156/413) of BAL specimens and 56.5% (340/836) of sputum specimens. The most commonly detected analytes were Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, and human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/EV), which were found in 320 (19%), 234 (13.9%), 189 (11.2%), and 176 (10.5%) specimens, respectively.

The PN panel showed a sensitivity of 100% for 15/22 etiologic targets using BAL specimens and for 10/24 using sputum specimens. All other targets had sensitivities of ≥75% or were unable to be calculated due to low prevalence in the study population. Specificity for all targets was ≥87.2%, with many false-positive results compared to culture that were confirmed by alternative molecular methods.

The authors concluded that appropriate adoption of this test could provide actionable diagnostic information that is anticipated to impact patient care and antimicrobial stewardship decisions. The study was published on June 24, 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Rapid Test Reader
DIA5000
New
Autoimmune Disease Diagnostic
Chorus ds-DNA-G
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.