Respiratory Panel Film Array
| PATIENT INFO |
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| PHYSICIAN INFO |
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| TESTS REQUESTED | |
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| 1. Respiratory Panel Film Array | |
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| SPECIMEN INFO |
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Test ID :
LAB4010
Specimen Type:
One flocked swab in 3.0 mL M4 Viral Transport Medium collected from nasopharyngeal source.
Cause for Rejection:
Improper specimen type, improper storage/transport, improper swab, dry swab, swab not present, multiple swabs per vial, mislabeled, or unlabeled.
Storage:
Transport refrigerated required from off campus location. Upon arrival in laboratory, store refrigerated.
Availability:
Monday thru Sunday
Methodology:
Multiplexed nucleic acid test intended for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of nucleic acids from multiple viral and bacterial respiratory organisms
Special Instructions:
Hospital Respiratory Viral Testing Guideline for the ED and Inpatient Settings
(Published August 2025)
Some patients with respiratory symptoms will benefit from testing for specific pathogens, though it will not change management in many patients. Patients admitted to the hospital with respiratory distress that is suspected to be infectious should have COVID-19 testing done, as this will impact isolation and treatment options. Rapid testing can be done with both the 4-plex PCR assay (SARS-CoV2/Flu A-B/RSV) and RFA (Respiratory Panel Film Array). The 4-plex PCR assay is the preferred option in most cases. Most patients well enough to be discharged from the ED should only have testing done if it will change management.
Scenarios to consider ordering an RFA rather than 4-plex assay up front where the result is likely going to change management:
• Possible need for PICU care for respiratory reasons
• Immunocompromise
• Prolonged fever
• Complex or chronic conditions
• Diagnostic dilemmas
• Patients under 60 days with fever
• When Mycoplasma is on the differential
Scenarios when initial RFA is not typically indicated:
• Known asthma
• URI and bronchiolitis that is being managed outpatient
• All scenarios where it is unlikely to change management
(Published August 2025)
Some patients with respiratory symptoms will benefit from testing for specific pathogens, though it will not change management in many patients. Patients admitted to the hospital with respiratory distress that is suspected to be infectious should have COVID-19 testing done, as this will impact isolation and treatment options. Rapid testing can be done with both the 4-plex PCR assay (SARS-CoV2/Flu A-B/RSV) and RFA (Respiratory Panel Film Array). The 4-plex PCR assay is the preferred option in most cases. Most patients well enough to be discharged from the ED should only have testing done if it will change management.
Scenarios to consider ordering an RFA rather than 4-plex assay up front where the result is likely going to change management:
• Possible need for PICU care for respiratory reasons
• Immunocompromise
• Prolonged fever
• Complex or chronic conditions
• Diagnostic dilemmas
• Patients under 60 days with fever
• When Mycoplasma is on the differential
Scenarios when initial RFA is not typically indicated:
• Known asthma
• URI and bronchiolitis that is being managed outpatient
• All scenarios where it is unlikely to change management
Lab/Phone:
330-543-4863
TAT:
Two hours from the time the specimen arrives in the Akron laboratory.
CPT Code:
87633
Panel Includes:
Targets include the following: Adenovirus, Bordetella parapertussis, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human metapneumovirus, Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Influenza A and B, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Parainfluenza Viruses 1,2,3 and 4, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Coronavirus strains 229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43 normally occur in the U.S.
Synonyms:
RFA; RFILM; Respiratory FilmArray Panel; Respiratory Film Array
Specimen Collection Procedures:
