Red Cell Distribution Width RDW Test
Short Name: Respiratory Panel
Also known as: Respiratory Pathogen Panel, Comprehensive Respiratory PCR Panel, Respiratory Infection Panel
Red Cell Distribution Width RDW Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹20,000. Uses Real Time PCR on Throat/Nasal swab, Sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Results in Samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri yield reports on Tue/Thu/Sat respectively.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To detect viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections, enabling accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Test Code
- 3594
- Price
- ₹20,000
- Sample Type
- Throat/Nasal swab, Sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
- Result Time
- Samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri yield reports on Tue/Thu/Sat respectively.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. Inform your doctor about any recent antibiotic use.
Method: Nasopharyngeal/throat swab, expectoration, or BAL
Laboratory Analysis
For nasal/throat swabs, mild discomfort may occur. For sputum, you will be asked to cough deeply from the lungs.
Report Delivery
You may resume normal activities immediately. No restrictions are necessary.
Timeline: Samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri yield reports on Tue/Thu/Sat respectively.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To detect viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections, enabling accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How to Prepare
- Submit throat/nasal swabs in special collection medium available from LPL
- Alternatively, submit 5 mL (3 mL min.) of sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in a sterile screw-capped container
- Ship refrigerated or frozen as per sample type
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"This comprehensive respiratory panel using RT-PCR is invaluable in differentiating viral from bacterial etiologies, thereby guiding antimicrobial stewardship and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly labeled sample
- Insufficient quantity of specimen
- Wrong transport medium
- Samples not refrigerated or frozen as required
Understanding Your Results
Consult a physician immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, high fever, chest pain, or worsening respiratory symptoms.
Limitations
- ⚠Detection is limited to the 33 pathogens included in the panel
- ⚠A negative result does not completely rule out infection by other organisms
- ⚠Clinical correlation with symptoms and radiology is essential
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risks associated with swab collection, such as mild gagging or nasal discomfort
- ●No serious complications expected
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent antimicrobial therapy may suppress pathogen load
- ●Improper sample collection or transport
- ●Presence of PCR inhibitors (e.g., blood, excess mucus)
- ●Contamination during collection or processing
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Red Cell Distribution Width RDW Test | Chest X-Ray | Sputum Culture | CRP (C-Reactive Protein) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Red Cell Distribution Width RDW Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
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