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Respiratory Panel 5 Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Respiratory Panel 5 Test

Short Name: Respiratory Panel 6

Also known as: Respiratory Pathogen Panel 6, Respiratory Viral and Bacterial Panel, Multiplex PCR Respiratory Panel 6

Respiratory Panel 5 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses Real Time PCR on Throat / Nasal swab, Sputum, or Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Results in Samples are accepted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, typically within 24-48 hours after sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Real Time PCR🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The purpose of the Respiratory Panel 6 Test is to identify the presence of common viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections. The detection of specific organisms such as Influenza A/B, RSV, hMPV, Adenovirus, and Bordetella pertussis helps clinicians differentiate between viral and bacterial etiologies, guide antiviral or antibiotic therapy, reduce unnecessary testing, and implement appropriate infection control measures. This panel is especially useful in patients with persistent fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing, and in vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Test Code
3593
Price
₹4,500
Sample Type
Throat / Nasal swab, Sputum, or Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Result Time
Samples are accepted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, typically within 24-48 hours after sample collection.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Real Time PCR
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. If the patient is using antiviral or antibiotic medication, the healthcare provider should be informed as it may affect the test results.

Method: Swab collection or expectoration / BAL

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

For swab collection, a healthcare professional will gently insert a sterile swab into the throat or nasal passage. For sputum, you will be asked to cough deeply to produce mucus from the lungs into a sterile container. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is collected by a physician during a bronchoscopy procedure in a clinical setting.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You can resume normal activities immediately. There are no restrictions after sample collection. Minor throat irritation is possible after a throat swab but resolves quickly.

Timeline: Samples are accepted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 9 am. Reports are delivered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, typically within 24-48 hours after sample collection.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation is required for this test. However, it is advisable to inform your doctor about any recent antibiotic or antiviral medication use, as this could influence test results.
2
During the Test:The test involves standard respiratory sample collection: throat/nasal swab, sputum, or bronchoalveolar lavage. All procedures are performed by trained healthcare professionals and take less than 5 minutes.
3
After the Test:No special precautions are required after the test. You may return to your routine activities immediately. The collected sample is transported to the laboratory for processing.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The purpose of the Respiratory Panel 6 Test is to identify the presence of common viral and bacterial pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections. The detection of specific organisms such as Influenza A/B, RSV, hMPV, Adenovirus, and Bordetella pertussis helps clinicians differentiate between viral and bacterial etiologies, guide antiviral or antibiotic therapy, reduce unnecessary testing, and implement appropriate infection control measures. This panel is especially useful in patients with persistent fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing, and in vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

How to Prepare

  • Use only the provided sterile collection swab or container
  • For sputum sample, collect early morning preferably before food
  • Do not add any preservative to the sample
  • Seal the container securely to avoid leakage
  • Label the sample container with patient name and identification details
  • Transport the sample to the laboratory as per instructions

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670

"Early identification of respiratory pathogens through multiplex PCR enables targeted therapy, reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, and improves clinical outcomes in both community and hospital-acquired respiratory infections."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeThroat / Nasal swab, Sputum, or Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Sample Volume5 mL (3 mL min.) for sputum/BAL; swab in transport medium
ContainerSpecial collection medium for swabs; sterile screw-capped container for sputum/BAL
Collection MethodSwab collection or expectoration / BAL

Sample Stability

Not Acceptable
72 hours
4 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Mislabeled or unlabeled sample
  • Sample in incorrect transport medium
  • Sample not reaching laboratory within specified stability period
  • Inadequate sample volume or quantity
  • Leaked or damaged container

Understanding Your Results

The Respiratory Panel 6 Test is a qualitative test. The result for each pathogen is reported as 'Detected' or 'Not Detected'. A 'Detected' result indicates that the specific pathogen's genetic material was found in the sample, supporting clinical suspicion of active infection. A 'Not Detected' result indicates absence of detectable nucleic acid for that organism.
📊

Detection indicates influenza A infection; antiviral therapy may be considered.

📊

Detection indicates influenza B infection; clinical management as appropriate.

📊

Detection indicates RSV infection especially common in children and elderly.

📊

Detection suggests hMPV-associated respiratory tract infection.

📊

Detection indicates adenovirus infection, which can cause various respiratory symptoms.

📊

Detection supports diagnosis of whooping cough; prompt antibiotics are recommended.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you or your child experience any symptoms of respiratory infection — especially persistent fever, prolonged cough, difficulty in breathing, or signs of wheezing — it is important to consult a doctor and undergo testing. Early medical attention is crucial in high-risk patients such as infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity. If you have already received the test and your result is positive, contact your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment and advice.

Limitations

  • ⚠Detection is limited to the six pathogens included in this panel
  • ⚠A negative result does not rule out infection by other respiratory pathogens
  • ⚠This test is not intended to determine antimicrobial susceptibility
  • ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic findings

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minor transient discomfort during throat/nasal swab
  • ●Possible gag reflex when collecting throat swab
  • ●No significant risk from sputum collection
  • ●Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed under medical supervision with minimal risk

Interfering Factors

  • ●Recent use of antiviral or antibiotic therapy may reduce pathogen load and cause false negatives
  • ●Improper sample collection or insufficient clinical material
  • ●Contamination of sample with blood or mucus
  • ●Delay in transportation leading to degradation of nucleic acids
  • ●Cross-reactivity in rare cases due to organism genetic variability

Compare With Similar Tests

TestRespiratory Panel 5 TestRespiratory Panel 5 TestRapid Influenza Antigen TestSputum Culture & Sensitivity
ComparisonRespiratory Panel 5 Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Respiratory Panel 6 Test?
The Respiratory Panel 6 Test is a Real Time PCR test that detects six common respiratory pathogens: Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Adenovirus, and Bordetella pertussis.
What is the cost of the Respiratory Panel 6 Test at DNA Labs India?
The cost of the Respiratory Panel 6 Test is Rs 4500 across India. Free home sample collection is available for online bookings.
Which sample is required for the Respiratory Panel 6 Test?
The sample can be a throat/nasal swab in special collection medium, or 5 mL (3 mL minimum) of sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in a sterile screw-capped container.
Is fasting required before the Respiratory Panel 6 Test?
No, fasting is not required. There is no special preparation needed for this test.
How is the Respiratory Panel 6 Test performed?
The test uses Real Time PCR to detect the genetic material of the six pathogens. A respiratory sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory.
What is the turnaround time for reports?
If the sample is submitted by 9 am on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, the report is issued on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday respectively.
What pathogens are detected by the Respiratory Panel 6 Test?
The panel detects Influenza A, Influenza B, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), hMPV (Human Metapneumovirus), Adenovirus, and Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough).
Why is the Respiratory Panel 6 Test important?
The test helps identify the cause of respiratory infections rapidly, allowing targeted treatment and appropriate infection control measures. It can distinguish between viral and bacterial causes, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.
What does a 'Not Detected' result mean?
A 'Not Detected' result means that the genetic material of the specific pathogens was not found in the sample. However, it does not rule out infection by organisms not included in this panel.
What does a 'Detected' result mean?
A 'Detected' result means that the pathogen is present in the sample and may be causing the respiratory infection. You should consult your doctor for proper management.
Can children undergo the Respiratory Panel 6 Test?
Yes, the test can be performed in children. A healthcare professional will collect the sample using appropriate age-specific methods. It is especially useful for pediatric respiratory infections.
Does DNA Labs India provide home sample collection for this test?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings for the Respiratory Panel 6 Test in major cities across India.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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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.

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