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 and bacteria]lnucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infections. The following organism types and subtypes are identified using the FilmArray RP: Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavimus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus 0C43, Human Metapneumnovirus, Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H I, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 HI1, Influenza B, Parainfluenza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, Parainflueniza Virus 3, Parainfluenza Virus 4, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Bordetellapertussis, Chiamydophilapneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The detection and identification of specific viral and bacterial nucleic acids from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory infection if used in conjunction with other clinical and epidemiological information. The results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other management decisions. Negative results in the setting of a respiratory illness may be due to infection with pathogens that are not detected by this test or lower respiratory tract infection that is not detected by a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms: the agent(s) detected by the Film Array RP may not be the definite cause of disease. Additional laboratory testing (e.g. bacterial and viral culture, immunmofluorescence, and radiography) may be necessary when evaluating a patient with possible respiratory tract infection.

Due to the small number of positive specimens collected for certain organisms during the prospective clinical study, performance characteristics for Bordetella pertussis, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus 0C43, Influenza A/111, Influenza A/113, Influenza A/2009 I, Influenza B, Mycoplasmapneumoniae Parainflucnza Virus 1, Parainfluenza Virus 2, and Parainfluenza Virus 4 were established primarily with retrospective clinical specimens. Performance characteristics for Chiamydophila pneumoniae were established primarily using contrived 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).

The FilmArray RP assay for Coronavirus 0C43 may cross-react with some isolates of Coronavirus UKUlI. A dual positive result may be due to cross-reactivity or may indicate a co-infection.

Performance characteristics for influenza A were established when influenza A/2009 HlIN 1, AIHl1, and A/H3 were the predominant influenza A viruses in circulation. Performance of detecting influenza A may vary if other influenza A strains are circulating or a novel influenza A virus emerges. 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. Viral culture should not be attempted in these cases unless a BSL 3+ facility is available to receive and culture specimens.