Filmarray RP Panel

FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) is a multiplexed nucleic acid test intended for use with the FilmArray instrument for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. The following virus types and subtypes are identified using the FilmArray RP: Adenovirus, Coronavirus HKU I, Coronavirus NL63, Human Metapneumovirus, Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H I, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 HI, Influenza B, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainfluenza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The detection and identification of specific viral nucleic acids from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory viral infection if used in conjunction with other clinical and epidemiological information. Negative results do not preclude respiratory viral infection and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment or other management decisions. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other organisms. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease. The use of additional laboratory testing (e.g. bacterial and viral culture, immunofluorescence, and radiography) and clinical presentation must be taken into consideration in order to obtain the final diagnosis of respiratory infection.

Due to seasonal prevalence, performance characteristics for Influenza A/Hi, Influenza A/113, Influenza A/2009 I, Influenza B, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, and Parainfluenza Virus 4 were established primarily with retrospective clinical specimens.

Due to the genetic similarity between human Rhinovirus and Enterovirus, the FilmArray RP cannot reliably differentiate them. A positive FilmArray RP Rhinovirus/Enterovirus result should be followed-up using an alternate method (e.g. cell culture or sequence analysis).

The FilmArray RP detects Adenovirus species C serotype 2 and serotype 6 with reduced sensitivity. It is recommended that specimens found to be negative for Adenovirus after examination using FilmArray RP be confirmed by an alternate method (e~g. FDA cleared molecular test or cell culture).

Performance characteristics for influenza A were established when influenza A/2009 HINI, AM-LI, and A/H3 were the predominant influenza A viruses in circulation. When other influenza A viruses are emerging, performance characteristics may vary. If infection with a novel influenza A virus is suspected based on current clinical and epidemiological screening criteria recommended by public health authorities, specimens should be collected with appropriate infection control precautions for novel virulent influenza viruses and sent to state or local health departments for testing. ViralI culture should not be attempted in these cases unless a BSL 3+ facility is available to receive and culture specimens.