Respiratory Infections
There are many pathogens that can cause upper respiratory infections. Viruses are the most common cause of these infections, but they can also be caused by bacteria. Respiratory infections are quite common; adults experience an average of 2-3 respiratory infections each year.1 Respiratory infections cause more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness.2
For most people, respiratory infections are mild and resolve on their own, however in high risk populations, these infections can lead to severe disease and life-threatening complications. Babies and young children, the elderly, and anyone with weakened or compromised immune systems are considered high risk for more severe illness.1,5
Comprehensive Coverage
Influenza is often the first thing people associate with respiratory infections, however, it is not just influenza that causes respiratory infection.
Respiratory infections caused by different pathogens can all cause a similar range of symptoms, making it a challenge to identify the virus or bacteria causing the infection based on symptoms alone.
With the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, it is more critical than ever to rapidly and accurately identify the cause of respiratory illness, especially in high risk patients, so doctors can make informed decisions on the most appropriate care for each patient.
Improve Patient Care
In less than 2 hours, the ePlex® RP2 Panel provides results for more than 20 of the most common respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Results from the ePlex RP2 Panel can help doctors determine which patients need to be admitted to a hospital or placed in isolation, and which patients can be safely treated at home.
The True Sample-to-Answer Solution ePlex RP and RP2 Panels
While many systems claim sample-to-answer capabilities, only the ePlex system integrates the entire process from order-to-report to better realize the benefits of rapid, multiplex molecular diagnostics. The ePlex system helps improve overall turnaround time with end-to-end integration using bi-directional LIS to automate and accelerate order entry and results reporting and a scalable platform for managing peak respiratory season test demand. Random and continuous access ensures tests can be run whenever they are needed, so patients can get the care they need.
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1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html#:~:text=Adults%20have%20an%20average%20of,any%20time%20of%20the%20year. (accessed December 2020)
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/upper_respiratory_infection_uri_or_common_cold_90,P02966 (accessed December 2020)
3. Wein, H. Understanding a Common Cold Virus. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-common-cold-virus (accessed December 2020).
4. Fendrick A, et al. (2003) The Economic Burden of Non-Influenza-Related Viral Respiratory Tract Infection in the United States. Arch Intern Med 163(4):487-94.
5. Auwaerter, P., and Bartlett, J. Upper Respiratory Infections. Johns Hopkins ABX Guide. https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_ABX_Guide/540570/all/Upper_Respiratory_Infections (Last updated June 6, 2019).
6. Schreckenberger and McAdam. 2015. Point-Counterpoint: Large Multiplex PCR Panels Should be First Line Test for Detection of Respiratory and Intestinal Pathogens. J Clin Microbiol 53(10)3110-3115
