User:TruGenX/sandbox

Respiratory Pathogen Panel, also known as RPP testing, is quickly outperforming Culture-Based testing which been the historic gold standard for quite some time. A respiratory pathogens (RP) panel checks for pathogens in the respiratory tract. A pathogen is a virus, bacteria, or other organism that causes an illness. Your respiratory tract is made up of parts of the body involved in breathing. This includes your lungs, nose, and throat.

There are many types of viruses and bacteria that can infect the respiratory tract. Symptoms are often similar, but treatment can be very different. So it's important to make the right diagnosis. Other viral and bacterial tests for respiratory infections are often limited to testing for one specific pathogen. Several samples may be needed. The process can be difficult and time consuming.

An RP panel only needs a single sample to run tests for a wide variety of viruses and bacteria. Results usually come in a few hours. Results from other types of respiratory tests can take a few days. Faster results may allow you to get started earlier on the right treatment.

== What is it used for? == Flu-Like Symptoms - If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, you should consider RPP testing to better understand whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.

Serious Illness - If your symptoms are severe and you need to be hospitalized, an RPP test can quickly and effectively give your doctors information about what may be causing the illness.

Complications - Another reason to seek testing is to prevent complications due to respiratory infections.

Health Risks - If you are immunocompromised or have other health risks due to age or preexisting conditions like asthma, you may want to consider getting tested when you have a severe respiratory infection.