Pneumonia Panel-Biofire Test

The Pneumonia Panel-Biofire test detects 33 total targets, including 18 bacteria, 8 viruses, and 7 antimicrobial resistance markers in a single test run. The targets are grouped into three categories:

Bacteria (15 typical + 3 atypical):

Viruses (8 targets): Adenovirus, Coronavirus, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Influenza A, Influenza B, MERS, Parainfluenza virus, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (7 targets): Carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, VIM, IMP), ESBL (CTX-M), and Methicillin Resistance (mecA/C and MREJ to determine MRSA). These markers indicate whether a bacterium may be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

No special preparation is needed for the Pneumonia Panel-Biofire test, but the type of sample collected will depend on your condition and the clinical setting.

Do You Need to Fast?

No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary restrictions before sample collection.

Practical Tips Before Your Test

Here are a few steps to help ensure a good quality sample:

• Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, recent illnesses, and any previous test results, as this is required for the test
• If providing a sputum sample, rinse your mouth with plain water (not mouthwash) beforehand to reduce contamination from oral bacteria
• Collect sputum early in the morning if possible, as secretions accumulate overnight and the sample will be richer
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking before sputum collection
• Inform your doctor about any antibiotics you have recently taken, as this can affect the test result

Step-by-Step Procedure

The collection method depends on the type of sample your doctor has requested:

For sputum collection:

1. Rinse your mouth with plain water to remove surface bacteria and saliva
2. Take three deep breaths and cough deeply to bring up mucus from your lungs (not just saliva)
3. Spit the sputum into a sterile, sealed container provided by the lab or healthcare team
4. Seal the container immediately and hand it to the healthcare professional for labelling

For BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage):

1. A doctor passes a thin tube called a bronchoscope through your nose or mouth and into the airways
2. A small amount of sterile saline solution is flushed into the airway to wash the lung surface
3. The fluid (which now contains cells and any pathogens present) is drawn back out and collected
4. The sample is placed in a sterile container, labelled, and sent to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8°C)

For endotracheal secretion (in patients on a ventilator):

1. A suction catheter is passed through the endotracheal tube already in place
2. Secretions from the lower airways are drawn out and collected in a sterile trap
3. The sample is sealed and dispatched to the laboratory promptly

Factors That Can Affect Accuracy

Several factors may reduce the reliability of results:

• Recent antibiotic use before sample collection
• Poor quality sputum (saliva rather than mucus from the lungs)
• Delay between collection and laboratory processing
• Contamination of the sample with oral bacteria
• Collection too early in the course of the illness

The Pneumonia Panel-Biofire test cost starts at ₹22,000 at Lupin Diagnostics.

This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Respiratory samples such as sputum, BAL, or endotracheal secretions must be collected as clinically appropriate and submitted for processing and analysis.

Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.