Limited multiplex PCR panels are useful when multiple organisms causing similar clinical presentations are in circulation. Rates of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have increased across all provinces in recent weeks while SARS-CoV-2 rates have also increased. Influenza season characteristically starts in early June in South Africa, implying that co-circulation of these pathogens has a high likelihood of occurring.
PathCare has introduced combined testing of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV on a single specimen. The benefits of this approach are that SARS-CoV-2 testing will not require a second specimen and the cost for the combined test will be similar to that of the existing Influenza A/Influenza B/RSV PCR test. Compared to the more comprehensive multiplex viral PCR assays, the new 4-multiplex test will have a faster turn-around time.
Combined Influenza A/Influenza B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 panels