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Respiratory Panel Testing Specialist

Lehigh Valley Genomics Our Services Respiratory Panel Testing

Lehigh Valley Genomics

Laboratory Services & COVID Testing located in Bethlehem, PA

When you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, like a cough, sore throat, or fever, your doctor may order respiratory panel testing. The experienced team at Lehigh Valley Genomics performs advanced respiratory panel testing using one swab to identify a vast array of pathogens. Determining the virus or bacteria responsible for your symptoms allows your doctor to develop individualized treatment. To learn more about respiratory panel testing, call the office in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, or connect online today.

Respiratory Panel Testing Q&A

What is respiratory panel testing?

Respiratory panel testing identifies more than 20 viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections. With a single swab, Lehigh Valley Genomics can determine the specific pathogen responsible for your symptoms.

Respiratory panel testing is a high-level molecular lab test. This type of advanced testing finds genes, proteins, and other molecules in the sample taken from your throat.


When would I need respiratory panel testing?  

Your primary care physician may recommend respiratory panel testing when you have symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abnormal saliva or mucus (blood or pus in your saliva)

Numerous bacterial and viral infections can all cause the same generic symptoms. A respiratory panel is the only way to determine the precise source of your illness, a step that’s essential for determining the best treatment.


What health conditions does respiratory panel testing diagnose?

These are only a few examples of the respiratory conditions most often diagnosed using respiratory panel testing:

  • Influenza
  • Croup
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Rhinovirus (common cold)
  • Whooping cough
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
  • COVID-19

These conditions and many more develop from about 23 different pathogens detected with respiratory panel testing.


What happens during respiratory panel testing?

Respiratory panel testing only requires a swab of your nose or nasopharynx, which is the uppermost part of your nose and throat. During the test, you sit in a chair and tilt your head back to help clear the way for the swab.

Your provider inserts the swab through your nose and gently guides it to the area where your nose meets your throat. They rotate the swab and may leave it in place for a short time, allowing it to absorb the secretions.

After obtaining your swab, they place it in a sterile container and send it directly to the lab for testing.


When do I get results from respiratory panel testing?

The results of your respiratory panel testing are ready in 24-48 hours. Lehigh Valley Genomics sends a report to your primary care physician, but you can also contact the lab if you have any questions. 

To learn more about respiratory panel testing, call Lehigh Valley Genomics, or connect online today.

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