Verigene Respiratory Pathogens Flex Nucleic Acid Test (RP Flex)

The Verigene® Respiratory Pathogens Flex Nucleic Acid Test (RP Flex) is a multiplexed qualitative test intended for the simultaneous detection and identification of multiple viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of respiratory tract infection. The test is performed on the automated Verigene System utilizing reverse transcription (RT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microarray hybridization to detect gene sequences of the following organism types and subtypes:

Viruses Bacteria

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Adenovirus Bordetella parapertussis/bronchiseptica

Human Metapneumovirus Bordetella holmesii

Influenza A Bordetella pertussis

Influenza A (Subtype H1)

Influenza A (Subtype H3)

Influenza B

Parainfluenza 1

Parainfluenza 2

Parainfluenza 3

Parainfluenza 4

Respiratory Syncytial Virus A

Respiratory Syncytial Virus B

Rhinovirus

Detecting and identifying specific viral and bacterial nucleic acids from individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory infection aids in the diagnosis of respiratory infection, if used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings. The results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or patient management decisions.

Negative results in the presence of a respiratory illness do not preclude respiratory infection and may be due to infection with pathogens that are not detected by this test or lower respiratory tract infection that is not detected by an NPS specimen. Conversely, positive results do not rule-out infection or co-infection with organisms not detected by RP Flex. The agent(s) detected may not be the definite cause of disease. The use of additional laboratory testing and clinical presentation may be necessary to establish a final diagnosis of respiratory infection.

Clinical evaluation indicates a lower sensitivity specific to RP Flex for the detection of Rhinovirus. If infection with Rhinovirus is suspected, negative samples should be confirmed using an alternative method.

Performance characteristics for Influenza A were established when Influenza A/H1 (2009 Pandemic) and A/H3 were the predominant Influenza A viruses in circulation. RP Flex may not detect novel Influenza A strains. 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 used specifically for novel virulent influenza viruses and sent to appropriate health authorities for testing. Viral culture should not be attempted in these cases unless a biosafety level (BSL) 3+ facility is available to receive and culture specimens.