Connect Sign In
FeedbackQualitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction
Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Preferred test for evaluating severely immunocompromised (eg, BMT) or critically ill (ICU) patients with respiratory symptoms.
- Test detects influenza A, influenza B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus, and adenovirus.
- Detects and differentiates parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Viral respiratory tract infections are the most common diseases affecting humans worldwide. Respiratory viruses can be associated with both self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (eg, the common cold) and more severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) (eg, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonitis, pneumonia). LRTIs are a major cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality in infants and the elderly and are associated with significant disease burden.
Disease Overview
Incidence
- Viral infections cause approximately 80% of respiratory tract disease; mixed infections account for approximately 20% infection in adults, 60% in children
- Symptomatic disease varies by viral type and patient age
- Highest rates occur in young and elderly populations with widely varying outcomes
- Seasonal influenza causes a large proportion of viral respiratory disease
- Median incidence of approximately 8% in U.S. 2010 to 2016
Symptoms
Symptoms general occur within 1-3 days of exposure and last 7-14 days.
| Location | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Upper respiratory infections |
Nasal congestion Sneezing Cough Sore throat Fever Chills Fatigue Decreased appetitea Lethargya |
| Lower respiratory infectionsb |
Worsening cough Shortness of breath Focal pain Dizzinessc Confusionc |
|
aEspecially in children bOverlap with upper infection cOlder adults |
|
Test Interpretation
Limitations
Negative result
- Does not rule out the presence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors in patient specimen
- Does not detect assay-specific nucleic acid in concentrations below level of detection by assay
Preferred test to confirm respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A, or influenza B in general inpatients and RSV in adults.