Laboratory

The BioFire Pneumonia Plus Panel is a rapid, multiplex PCR-based diagnostic test that detects over 34 bacterial, viral and antimicrobial resistance targets directly from lower respiratory tract specimens such as sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). It identifies community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and several key resistance genes (including mecA/C, CTX-M and carbapenemases). The test enables clinicians to make faster and informed decisions for improving patient outcomes.

The BioFire Pneumonia Panel (PN panel) is a rapid PCR test that identifies bacterial and viral pathogens in lower respiratory tract samples like sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, and endotracheal aspirates. It’s used to diagnose pneumonia and other respiratory infections. The panel can detect a wide range of pathogens, including common bacteria and viruses, as well as genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance.
Key features of the BioFire Pneumonia Panel:
Rapid Results:
The panel provides results within about an hour, significantly faster than traditional culture-based methods.
Comprehensive Detection:
The panel identifies a wide range of pathogens, including 18 bacteria, 8 viruses, and 7 antimicrobial resistance genes.
Semi-quantitative Results:
For 15 common bacteria, the panel provides semiquantitative results, which can help determine whether an organism is a colonizer or a pathogen.
Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy:
The panel can detect pathogens that might be missed by standard culture, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding antimicrobial prescribing.
Improved Clinical Decision-Making:
The rapid results and comprehensive pathogen detection can help clinicians make more informed decisions about treatment, potentially leading to faster and more targeted antimicrobial therapy.