Respiratory / RPP Molecular Diagnostics

Fast, Accurate Respiratory Pathogen Detection with PCR and PharmD-Guided Treatment Recommendations

Respiratory infections are among the most common reasons for outpatient visits, urgent care encounters, and hospital admissions—especially during fall and winter months. Yet the clinical symptoms of viral and bacterial respiratory infections often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between them without diagnostic support.

At CuraPath Dx, we offer a more precise solution: a multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) powered by real-time PCR, with PharmD-reviewed antibiotic and antiviral guidance. This service delivers same-day, actionable results that help clinicians make faster, more confident treatment decisions.

Why Conventional Respiratory Testing Falls Short

In many clinical settings, respiratory diagnosis relies on:

  • Empiric treatment based on symptoms alone
  • Rapid antigen tests, which have limited sensitivity and only target 1–2 viruses
  • Send-out PCRs with turnaround times of 3–5 days
  • Lack of resistance information, which limits stewardship efforts

These limitations often result in unnecessary antibiotics, delayed antiviral therapy, increased transmission risk, and reduced diagnostic confidence—especially in vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and immunocompromised patients.

Our Solution: Real-Time PCR-Based Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP)

Our Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) uses real-time PCR to detect and differentiate multiple viral and bacterial pathogens from a single nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Panel Coverage, including:
    • Viruses: Influenza A/B (incl. subtypes), RSV A/B, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1–4, hMPV, Coronavirus NL63/229E/OC43/HKU1
    • Bacteria: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis
  • Fast Turnaround Time: Results delivered within 24 hours—often same day.
  • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Molecular testing detects both early and low-level infections that antigen tests may miss.
  • Semi-Quantitative Reporting: Results stratified by load (High, Moderate, Low) to help assess clinical relevance.

PharmD-Guided Antimicrobial & Antiviral Stewardship

Every positive result is reviewed by a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) with expertise in infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship. This ensures every report comes with clinical context, not just raw data.

Included in Every Report:

  • Pathogen-Specific Treatment Guidance: Antiviral or antibiotic recommendations based on pathogen, patient profile, and resistance patterns.
  • Stewardship Flags: Highlights overuse of antibiotics for viral infections and offers alternatives.
  • Drug Safety Review: Screens for drug interactions, allergy risks, and comorbidities.
  • Chart-Ready Summary: Clinically concise note to support documentation, audits, or prior authorizations.

This service allows providers to confidently escalate, de-escalate, or withhold treatment based on clear diagnostic and clinical guidance.

Clinical and Operational Benefits

For Providers:

  • Rapid Differentiation: Bacterial vs. viral etiology supports appropriate use of antibiotics or antivirals.
  • Reduced Overprescribing: Supports stewardship programs and CMS quality metrics.
  • Improved Patient Outcomes: Early detection means earlier intervention, particularly for high-risk patients.

For Facilities:

  • Streamlined Workflow: One swab, one comprehensive report, delivered fast.
  • Outbreak Control: Ideal for managing clusters in long-term care, pediatrics, and institutional settings.
  • Supports Value-Based Care: Reduces unnecessary treatments, returns, and hospitalizations.

Who Should Use RPP Testing

This solution is ideal for:

  • Urgent care clinics treating acute respiratory presentations
  • Primary care and pediatric offices during cold and flu season
  • Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities managing respiratory outbreaks
  • Hospitals and EDs needing rapid triage and infection control
  • Immunocompromised populations where early identification is critical

Partner with Us

At CuraPath Dx, we combine advanced molecular diagnostics with real-time clinical support. Our RPP service is designed to reduce diagnostic uncertainty, promote antimicrobial stewardship, and improve patient outcomes.

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