Respiratory Panel 1 Test
Short Name: Respiratory Panel 2
Also known as: Respiratory Viral Panel 2, RP2, Respiratory Pathogen Panel 2
Respiratory Panel 1 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses Real Time PCR on Throat / Nasal swab, Sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Results in Samples received by Monday, Wednesday, or Friday before 9 AM are processed and reports are available the next day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday respectively). In practice, results are typically delivered within 24-48 hours after sample collection.. 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 the presence of RNA or DNA from common respiratory viruses in clinical specimens, aiding in the rapid diagnosis of viral respiratory tract infections and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
- Test Code
- 3588
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Throat / Nasal swab, Sputum, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
- Result Time
- Samples received by Monday, Wednesday, or Friday before 9 AM are processed and reports are available the next day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday respectively). In practice, results are typically delivered within 24-48 hours after sample collection.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. No fasting needed.
Method: Nasopharyngeal swab, Throat swab, Expectoration, Bronchoalveolar lavage
Laboratory Analysis
A trained professional will collect the sample using appropriate techniques. For sputum, you will be asked to cough deeply to expectorate into a sterile container. For BAL, the procedure is performed by a physician with appropriate care.
Report Delivery
You can resume your normal activities immediately after sample collection. There are no restrictions after the test.
Timeline: Samples received by Monday, Wednesday, or Friday before 9 AM are processed and reports are available the next day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday respectively). In practice, results are typically delivered within 24-48 hours after sample collection.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To detect the presence of RNA or DNA from common respiratory viruses in clinical specimens, aiding in the rapid diagnosis of viral respiratory tract infections and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
How to Prepare
- For nasopharyngeal/throat swabs, use the viral transport medium provided by the laboratory.
- For sputum, collect early morning specimen if possible, after rinsing the mouth with water.
- BAL should be collected by a qualified healthcare provider under sterile conditions.
- Label the container clearly with patient name and date of collection.
- Transport the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally refrigerated or on ice if not frozen.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"A comprehensive respiratory PCR panel helps differentiate viral from bacterial infections, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving patient outcomes."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Inadequate sample volume
- Improper transport medium or incorrect container
- Sample received > 72 hours after collection without refrigeration/freezing
- Leaking or unlabeled container
- Specimen inappropriate for the test requested
Understanding Your Results
Indicates the presence of respiratory viral nucleic acid. Likely causative pathogen if symptoms match. Consider antiviral therapy or supportive care as indicated.
No evidence of infection with the tested viral pathogens. Consider bacterial or other viral causes. Clinical correlation needed.
Multiple viral pathogens may be present. Clinical significance should be assessed; mixed infections can occur, especially in young children or immunocompromised patients.
Consult your referring physician if you experience worsening respiratory symptoms, difficulty breathing, high fever, or if you are in a high-risk group such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, or those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immunity. Early testing can guide appropriate treatment and reduce complications.
Limitations
- ⚠This panel detects only the specified respiratory viruses; a negative result does not rule out infection with bacteria, fungi, or viruses not included in the panel.
- ⚠A positive result may not differentiate between active infection and asymptomatic shedding in certain settings.
- ⚠Test performance depends on sample quality and timing relative to Symptom onset.
- ⚠Clinical correlation with signs, symptoms, and other laboratory findings is essential.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Nasal/throat swab: minor discomfort, sneezing, or nosebleed in rare cases
- ●Sputum collection: transient coughing
- ●Bronchoalveolar lavage: sore throat, hoarseness, possible bronchospasm – performed under medical supervision
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection technique leading to inadequate specimen
- ●Use of inappropriate transport medium or containers
- ●Prolonged storage at room temperature resulting in RNA degradation
- ●Presence of PCR inhibitors in the specimen, such as mucus or certain medications
- ●Contamination during specimen collection or processing
- ●Co-infection with multiple pathogens which may alter interpretation
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Respiratory Panel 1 Test | Rapid Antigen Test (e.g., Influenza/RSV) | Single-target PCR (e.g., COVID-19 RT-PCR) | Viral Culture | Respiratory Panel 2 (PCR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Respiratory Panel 1 Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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