Introduction
Not all pneumonias are the same. In clinical settings, pneumonia is one of the most frequent causes of emergency visits and hospitalizations—especially among seniors, people with chronic conditions, or those recovering from viral infections. The challenge is that not every case presents typically, and not every organism shows up on a standard test.
This is where Devansh Lab Werks’ advanced Respiratory Pathogen Panel plays a vital role. Designed to quickly detect a broad range of bacterial and viral pathogens, our molecular testing solution gives physicians the clarity they need to treat pneumonia accurately and without delay.
The Problem with Diagnosing Atypical Pneumonia
Typical pneumonia might show up on a chest X-ray, respond to common antibiotics, and involve obvious symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath. But atypical pneumonia—often caused by organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, or certain viruses—behaves differently:
· Symptoms may be milder, delayed, or non-specific
· Chest X-rays may not show clear consolidation
· Routine bacterial cultures often return negative
· First-line antibiotics may not be effective
High-risk patients, including the elderly, transplant recipients, and those with asthma or COPD, are more vulnerable to complications when the correct pathogen is not identified early.
What Makes DLW’s Respiratory Pathogen Panel Different?
At DLW, we use a multiplex molecular assay that simultaneously screens for over 20 viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens. This includes both traditional and atypical organisms responsible for lower and upper respiratory infections.
Pathogen Type
Examples Detected
Viruses
Influenza A/B, RSV A/B, Parainfluenza 1–4, Human Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus
Bacteria
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis
Co-infections
Detects mixed infections (e.g., Flu + Bacterial)
This broad-spectrum panel provides valuable clinical insight across multiple settings:
· Emergency departments
· ICUs and ventilator cases
· Geriatric and immunocompromised care
· Long-term care facilities
· Outpatient clinics during seasonal respiratory outbreaks
Case Spotlight: Mr. Dawson’s Delayed Diagnosis
Mr. Dawson, a 71-year-old diabetic, visited the ER with low-grade fever, fatigue, and a persistent cough. His chest X-ray appeared normal, and initial bacterial cultures showed no growth. As a precaution, his physician ordered DLW’s Respiratory Pathogen Panel.
The results came back positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of atypical pneumonia that does not respond to first-line antibiotics like amoxicillin. With a targeted macrolide-based treatment, Mr. Dawson began recovering within 48 hours.
Why Speed Matters in Respiratory Diagnosis
Time-sensitive testing can significantly impact clinical outcomes. Traditional diagnostics like throat swabs, sputum cultures, and serology often require multiple days and may fail to detect fastidious organisms.
DLW’s respiratory panel delivers:
· Results within 24–48 hours
· Higher sensitivity and specificity than culture
· Support for targeted antiviral or antibiotic therapy
· EMR-ready digital reports for seamless integration
· Greater diagnostic clarity in high-risk or unclear cases
Learn more about our full approach to precision diagnostics at Devansh Lab Werks.
Who Should Be Tested?
The Respiratory Pathogen Panel is ideal for:
· Patients with non-resolving or atypical respiratory symptoms
· Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD
· Immunocompromised individuals and post-transplant patients
· Seniors or those with multiple comorbidities
· Children with recurring lower respiratory infections
· Hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia cases
This panel can also support outbreak monitoring in healthcare facilities, schools, or nursing homes.
Benefits for Clinicians and Institutions
· Reduces diagnostic uncertainty
· Supports faster treatment initiation
· Improves patient triage and isolation decisions
· Helps meet antimicrobial stewardship goals
· Reduces overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics
By identifying the exact pathogen, clinicians can prescribe with confidence—protecting both individual patients and public health.
FAQs: Respiratory Pathogen Testing
1. Can this test detect co-infections involving COVID-19?
Yes. Our panel can be configured to include SARS-CoV-2 or used alongside a standalone COVID-19 test. It effectively detects co-infections such as Flu + COVID or bacterial + viral combinations.
2. What is the sample type used for testing?
A nasopharyngeal swab is the most commonly used sample. In hospitalized patients, deeper respiratory specimens like tracheal aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can also be submitted.
3. Is this test suitable for outpatient use?
Absolutely. It’s frequently used in urgent care and primary care clinics during cold and flu season to differentiate viral and bacterial causes of respiratory illness.
4. How quickly will results be available?
Results are typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours, allowing clinicians to begin targeted treatment without delay.
Diagnose Respiratory Infections with Precision
Respiratory illness doesn’t always follow the rules. That’s why your diagnostics shouldn’t rely on guesswork.
Order the Respiratory Pathogen Panel from Devansh Lab Werks and bring molecular clarity to your respiratory cases.
