Respiratory Panel 3 Test
Short Name: Resp Panel 3
Also known as: Respiratory Pathogen Panel 3, RPP3, Respiratory Infection PCR Panel
Respiratory Panel 3 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses Real Time PCR on Throat/Nasal swab, Sputum, or BAL fluid samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 24-48 hours after sample collection, depending on the day. For samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri, reports are released 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
The purpose of the Respiratory Panel 3 test is to identify the precise causative agent in respiratory infections. It aids in the differential diagnosis of influenza-like illnesses, atypical pneumonia, and other respiratory tract infections, allowing targeted therapy, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and enabling early public health interventions.
- Test Code
- 3590
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Throat/Nasal swab, Sputum, or BAL fluid
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 24-48 hours after sample collection, depending on the day. For samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri, reports are released on Tue/Thu/Sat respectively.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. Inform your doctor about any recent antibiotic or antiviral therapy.
Method: Swab or respiratory specimen collection by trained professional
Laboratory Analysis
For a swab sample, the health worker will gently rotate a sterile swab in the nasal or throat area. For sputum, you will be asked to cough deeply to produce phlegm. Collection is quick and generally painless.
Report Delivery
No special precautions needed. You can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 24-48 hours after sample collection, depending on the day. For samples received by 9 am on Mon/Wed/Fri, reports are released on Tue/Thu/Sat respectively.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Respiratory Panel 3 test is to identify the precise causative agent in respiratory infections. It aids in the differential diagnosis of influenza-like illnesses, atypical pneumonia, and other respiratory tract infections, allowing targeted therapy, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and enabling early public health interventions.
How to Prepare
- Do not eat or drink for at least 1 hour before a throat swab collection.
- For nasal swabs, avoid using nasal sprays or rinses within 4 hours before collection.
- If providing sputum, try to collect it first thing in the morning after rinsing your mouth.
- Ensure the sample container is tightly sealed before handing over to the lab professional.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Respiratory panel testing helps identify the exact pathogen causing symptoms, enabling targeted treatment and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Insufficient sample volume
- Improper labeling
- Sample leaking or in inappropriate container
- Sample received in fixative or transport medium not approved for PCR
Understanding Your Results
Indicates active influenza infection; consider early antiviral therapy (e.g., oseltamivir) as appropriate.
Indicates current RSV infection; supportive care is mainstay, especially in young children and elderly.
Indicates hMPV infection; clinical course is similar to RSV.
Indicates atypical bacterial pneumonia; macrolide or tetracycline antibiotics may be effective.
Confirms whooping cough; early antibiotic therapy may reduce symptoms and transmission.
Indicates Legionnaires' disease; requires prompt appropriate antibiotic therapy and medical management.
No evidence of infection by the panel biomarkers; other respiratory pathogens or non-infectious etiologies should be considered.
If you experience severe breathing difficulty, persistent high fever, chest pain, bluish lips or face, confusion, or if symptoms do not improve within a few days, seek medical attention immediately. Also consult a doctor if you belong to a high-risk group (children under 5, older adults, pregnant women, or those with chronic conditions) and develop respiratory symptoms.
Limitations
- ⚠Test detects the presence of pathogen nucleic acid but does not differentiate between active infection and recent infection with non-viable organisms.
- ⚠Negative results do not completely rule out respiratory infection; other pathogens not included in the panel may be responsible.
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory findings.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of slight discomfort or gagging during throat swab collection.
- ●Nasal swab may cause mild, brief bleeding or sneezing.
- ●No significant risk of complications from the test procedure.
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or storage
- ●The presence of PCR inhibitors (e.g., blood, mucus)
- ●Recent use of antiviral or antibiotic therapy
- ●Contamination during specimen collection or handling
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Respiratory Panel 3 Test | Rapid Antigen Test | Sputum Culture | Chest X-Ray |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Respiratory Panel 3 Test | Rapid antigen tests provide results in minutes but have lower sensitivity. The PCR panel is far more accurate, especially for early infections. | Sputum culture can identify live bacteria and perform antibiotic sensitivity testing. However, it is slow and not useful for viral infections. | Chest X-Ray is a radiological tool used to evaluate lung involvement. It classifies pneumonia but does not identify microbial cause. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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