Community Acquired Pneumonia Panel (Qualitative) by Real Time PCR

The Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Panel by Real Time PCR is an advanced molecular diagnostic test used to detect multiple bacterial and viral pathogens responsible for community-acquired respiratory infections. This qualitative test helps in rapid and accurate identification of infectious agents from respiratory samples.

Test Purpose

• Detects common pathogens causing pneumonia
• Helps differentiate bacterial and viral infections
• Supports early and targeted treatment decisions
• Useful in moderate to severe respiratory infections

Common Pathogens Detected

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Chlamydia pneumoniae
• Legionella pneumophila
• Influenza viruses
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Other respiratory pathogens depending on panel configuration

Sample Required

• Nasopharyngeal swab
• Throat swab
• Sputum
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid

Method

Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Benefits

• Rapid turnaround time
• High sensitivity and specificity
• Simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens
• Assists in appropriate antimicrobial therapy

Recommended For

• Patients with fever, cough, breathlessness, or chest infection
• Suspected pneumonia cases
• Hospitalized respiratory infection patients
• Immunocompromised individuals

Preparation

No special preparation required. Sample collection should preferably be done before starting antibiotics whenever possible.