Table of Contents
Introduction to Respiratory Infection and Illness
1.1 Intro ................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Understanding the Respiratory System ............................................ 2
1.3 Respiratory Infection Types ............................................................. 2-3
1.4 Causes of Respiratory Infections ..................................................... 3
1.5 Antibiotic Resistance Genes ........................................................... 3-4
Risk for Respiratory Infection/Illness and Health Tips
2.1 Who is At Risk for Respiratory Infections/Illnesses .......................... 4
2.2 Risk Factors ................................................................................... 4
2.3 Health Tips to Reduce Risk ............................................................. 5
Respiratory Pathogen Panel Test Benefits
3.1 Awareness ...................................................................................... 5
3.2 Ease of Use .................................................................................... 5-6
3.3 Coverage ........................................................................................ 6
3.4 Accuracy ........................................................................................ 6
How to Use Your Respiratory Pathogen Panel Test
4.1 Getting Started ............................................................................... 6-7
4.2 Necessary Information ................................................................... 7
4.3 Shipping Information ...................................................................... 7
4.4 Testing Kit Package and Instructions for Use .................................. 7-8
4.5 Results and Next Steps ................................................................... 8
Introduction to Respiratory Infection and Illness
Intro
Every year human beings endure the effects of a respiratory infection, in most cases more than once. Even worse, these infections have a possibility of ultimately leading to a long-term respiratory condition or disease in some cases. Minor respiratory infections which cause individuals to come down with the common cold and influenza are the number 1 reason for individuals missing work and other daily activities in life. Dealing with the symptoms associated with these sicknesses can be exhausting. These infections have existed since the beginning of humanity and don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. They span the distance of the world leaving us all vulnerable, especially during the colder parts of the year. It is statistically impossible to live an entire life without ever catching a cold or the flu. To make matters more troubling, not all respiratory infections are created equal, as some can wreak havoc on us more than others. Many people have only a basic knowledge and understanding of how respiratory infections and illnesses operate.
Understanding The Respiratory System
Inside all of us is a respiratory system that allows us to breathe, speak, and to some extent, taste and smell. This system is composed of a variety of organs and tissues such as the lungs, airways, and blood vessels. The airways for the respiratory system include the mouth, nose, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), sinuses, bronchiole tubes, trachea, and lungs. Within the respiratory system, we have an upper respiratory tract and a lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract consists of the mouth, nose, sinuses, and pharynx. On the other hand, the lower respiratory tract consists of the larynx, trachea, bronchiole tubes, and lungs. The primary function of the respiratory system is to breathe in fresh air and breathe out wasted gasses such as carbon dioxide. When we are unable to perform these functions, it is because we have come down with a respiratory infection, or in some cases a serious respiratory disease.
Respiratory Infection Types
Respiratory infections can be found in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Common upper respiratory infections include common cold, influenza, sinusitis (sinus infection), and pharyngitis (sore throat). Common lower respiratory infections include pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. Infections of the upper respiratory tract are the more common of the two and tend to be less serious. These infections only last around a week’s time before symptoms fade away. Upper respiratory infections are also less likely to result in death. Infections of the lower respiratory tract can last several weeks or months before symptoms begin to disappear. If symptoms of a lower respiratory infections stick around for a longer period of time, then these infections can potentially lead to a long-term respiratory disease or condition such as chronic bronchitis or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Causes of Respiratory Infection
Infections to the upper respiratory tract are more common than those of the lower respiratory tract. These infections come as a result of a virus or bacteria entering the upper respiratory tract. This can occur in a few ways. The most common method of contracting an infection of the upper respiratory tract is by touching your hand to your mouth or nose when your hand is unclean. Unclean hands carry germs that can enter the respiratory system through this form of contact. Viruses and bacteria can be highly contagious and may stem from touching surfaces and then making hand contact to the nasal cavity or mouth. You can also catch an upper respiratory infection if you are in the company of another person and they sneeze in your direction. If they are carrying a virus or bacteria, it can easily be spread to you through the air. Infections of the lower respiratory tract usually occur in the same way, although there are some differences. Infections of the lower respiratory tract may also be caused by inhalation of smoke, dust, vapor, allergens, or air pollution.
Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Every living organism carries a specific set of genes to form its DNA makeup. This even includes tiny organisms such as bacteria, microbes, fungi, viruses etc. Yet many living organisms on our planet carry different gene codes and are all either affected or unaffected by exposure to various elements in their own way. One example we’ve seen in society is the human response to the cold and flu. When exposed common cold bacteria and the influenza virus, we come down with some form of sickness in varying degrees of severity. The same occurs for these smaller organisms when they are exposed to certain elements such as the chemicals found in cold and flu medications we take.
When we contract the influenza, the common cold, and a variety of other viruses or bacteria, our immune systems are under attack. Sometimes these sicknesses can even result in death. With advances in science and modern medicine, humanity has developed a variety of vaccines and antibiotics. These methods of treatment have been highly successful in shutting down respiratory viruses and bacteria, so we can get back to our healthy selves. However, some respiratory infections cannot be treated with antibiotics due to their specific DNA makeup. This is because certain respiratory infections stem from bacteria which are antibiotic resistant. In other words, they are not affected by antibiotic treatment and can continue to thrive in our systems. There are approximately 1600 antibiotic resistance genes that have ever been discovered and there are around 3 million antibiotic resistant respiratory infections diagnosed in the United States every year. Below is list of some of the most common antibiotic resistance genes.
mecA
mecC
KPC
CTX-M
NDM
apmA
aph2
aph3
aac3
aac6
aadC
aadD
aadA2
str
sat4
Risks for Respiratory Infection/Illness and Health Tips
Who is at Risk for Respiratory Infections/Illnesses?
All humans carry at least a general risk for acquiring a respiratory infection. The common cold derives from a form of bacteria that affects the upper respiratory tract and it is the most common form of illness by a significantly wide margin. Influenza and Covid-19 are also highly common types of respiratory infection causing individuals to become ill. Those of us with weakened immune systems carry an above average risk for catching sicknesses of this kind. Generally, individuals who are of old age, are overweight, or have preexisting conditions related to the upper and lower respiratory tract fit this category. In most cases, we can overcome respiratory infections within a week’s time. In other cases, these infections can linger around in our system for a longer period of time and can potentially result in a long-term condition or death.
Risk Factors
There are numerous risk factors involved in viral or bacterial respiratory infections. Some of the most common risk factors include being in crowded areas, poor hygiene, smoking, age, stress, allergies, asthma, and poorly functioning immune systems. Living or being present in areas of high population increases risk as you may be around individual(s) who happen to be sick with a contagious respiratory infection. Improper hygiene increases risk as unwashed hands can carry germs which can lead to a respiratory infection if these germs spread by placing your hands on or near your face. Smoking increases as it weakens the immune system and causes structural damage to the respiratory system. Age is a risk factor as the elderly and children are more susceptible to respiratory infections due to weaker immune systems as well. Stress increases a neurotransmitter called catecholamine and white blood cells, which also impairs the immune system and can leave you susceptible to a respiratory infection. People who have asthma are at a higher risk for respiratory infections as their airways are more likely to suffer episodes of inflammation.
Health Tips to Reduce Risk
Reducing your risk of getting a respiratory infection can be done by practicing a few cautionary steps. The most important of these is to keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water. If your hands are clean, they will be free of germs that can make your sick. Another way to reduce your risk is by not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. By not touching these areas, you are much less likely to spread any germs from possibly unclean hands to openings of your respiratory system. It is also important to avoid other people who are sick. Viruses and bacteria can be highly contagious and being in the presence of someone who has a respiratory infection significantly increases your risk of getting sick. Lastly, you can also take the flu vaccine as an extra measure to fight off this form of respiratory illness. This is highly recommended during flu season.
Respiratory Pathogen Panel Testing Benefits
Awareness
Respiratory infections occur 2-3 times per person every year on average. They are the leading form of mild to moderate sickness in the world. In most cases, individuals are unable to prevent these infections from interfering with their lives, aside from getting the flu vaccine. In some of these cases, minor infections eventually lead to long-term respiratory conditions if not adequately managed. Many people are unaware that options are available to help in providing better information about their infection. Respiratory pathogen panel testing bridges this gap by testing genetic material found in respiratory viruses and bacteria to discover exactly which form of respiratory infection an individual is suffering from. Gaining this awareness allows for quicker and better treatment by determining the most suitable antibiotics to speed recovery.
Ease of Use
Ordering and performing your respiratory pathogen panel test is easier than you may think. Upon being qualified for your test, our company will ship your test kit directly to your home free of charge. This test is designed to be completed at home on your time. Our process eliminates the hassle you would have of traveling out to a lab testing facility or a doctor’s office to have the work completed. Of course, you also have the option to take your test kit to your healthcare provider’s office to perform the test under their instruction and supervision if you prefer to do so. The method of collecting your sample is performed using a soft nasopharyngeal (nasal) swab to gather a small specimen from your nose. As opposed to a blood draw conducted by phlebotomist or healthcare provider, this form of testing is a painless and simple process. After using the swab to collect your sample, you will simply place the swab back in a provided bag in the box to be safely preserved. Your box will then be shipped to our lab with prepaid shipping for our lab equipment to generate your results. We will then deliver your results to you and your healthcare provider as soon as they are ready. You should expect your results to be delivered 3-7 days after our lab has received your sample.
Coverage
Many people would be surprised to find that they could be covered for a respiratory pathogen panel test by their insurance. Apollo Genetics works with a variety of insurance types to help individuals receive this test. These insurance types include Medicare, Med Advantage, and some commercial/private insurance. Within these insurance types, we work with nearly all insurance companies. Our network is continuously growing to build a stronger insurance coverage base for allowing more individuals who seek our services to be covered. Once you are medically qualified, our billing team gets right to work in rapidly determining whether you are covered through your insurance plan, usually knowing same-day or next-day. We also offer additional options for those who lack coverage and/or would prefer to pay out of pocket. Through our self-pay program, you may elect to receive your respiratory pathogen panel test at a discounted price. This route can also save you even more time by going outside of your insurance when ordering your genetic screening kit more directly.
Accuracy
Apollo Genetics uses exceptional-quality, state of the art technology to conduct our genetic screenings. Our lab equipment includes the Thermo Fisher QuantStudio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR system, which is among the highest-rated genetic lab systems available. Apollo Genetics is also regulated by CAP (College of American Pathologists) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) to ensure that we are delivering consistently accurate results of the highest standard. We understand the importance of providing our patients with the most precise results to lead them on a path to better health based on a valid screening outcome. Concerns about the state of your respiratory health can be delicate by nature and our company is devoted to providing the most exact results for your respiratory pathogen panel test.
How to Receive and Use Your Respiratory Pathogen Panel Test Kit
Getting Started
Apollo Genetics makes the respiratory pathogen panel testing process simple for our patients. Through our easy-to-navigate website, visitors can find educational information about the respiratory infections and illnesses, how this testing improves the quality of life, and what steps are taken to order your testing kit. You will see a button on our full-length respiratory pathogen panel testing page that when clicked will link you to a page designed for ordering your kit. You may also order your testing kit on the page from which this guide was downloaded by inputting your information in the submission form and clicking the button just beneath the form. Once you have submitted your information to us through our website, an experienced representative from our company will give you a call to assist you in qualifying for your respiratory pathogen panel testing kit. These phone calls are brief, usually lasting approximately 5-10 minutes in length. Your call will include a short introduction to our company, few qualifying questions to help you receive your test, and an explanation of the respiratory pathogen panel testing process done through our lab.
Necessary Information
In order to help you understand if you are qualified for respiratory pathogen panel testing, a qualifying representative from Apollo will gather some needed information from you during your phone call with us. First, we will verify that the information you have submitted through our website is all correct and up to date. Next, we will ask you a few simple questions regarding your medical history. This will help us in helping you to receive your genetic screening kit. Once that has been completed, we will then move on to gather your healthcare provider’s name. You may provide a healthcare provider of your choice for whom you are currently seeing and feel comfortable with authorizing your test. In most cases, the best option is either your primary care physician or a doctor who has treated you for respiratory infections or illnesses in the past (ex. Pulmonologist). They will be most useful as they understand your background/medical history well and will be required for authorization of your test.
Shipping Information
Once we have received authorization from your healthcare provider for you to receive your respiratory pathogen panel test, we will send your testing kit directly to you. Apollo Genetics ships our testing kits through FedEx Ground and in some cases FedEx Overnight. The shipping process originates from our operations center, which is located at our corporate headquarters in Draper, Utah. Once your shipment reaches your local area, your testing kit package is then tendered over to USPS. From there, USPS will deliver the shipment of your testing kit to your place of residence, or the address we have on file for you if different. No signature is needed upon arrival. You will also receive a confirmation email with a tracking link to follow your package as it leaves our facility and reaches its destination.
Testing Kit Package and Instructions for Use
Your respiratory pathogen panel testing kit will come in a blue-colored 6-inch by 9-inch box with an Apollo Genetics logo on top. Inside the box you will find 4 items. First, you will see some paperwork including the requisition form which we have already sent to your healthcare provider for their authorization. This requisition form will require your signature for consent to run your specimen at our lab. Second, you will see the nasopharyngeal (nose) swab which you will use to collect your specimen. This item will be approximately 6 inches in length with a tube attached and will resemble a Q-Tip. Third, you will see the biohazard bag which will safely store your collected sample as it is transported to our lab for testing. This item will be about 4 inches in width, about 6 inches in height, and will display a biohazard logo on top. Fourth, you will see a flat and round item which displays an Apollo Genetics logo. This item is a grip-grabber that allows you to gain a strong grip of your test kit supplies, as well as any other item you would prefer to use it for.
In addition to the requisition form included in your testing kit, you will also have a set of instructions. These instructions will guide you on how to perform the nasopharyngeal swab test for gathering your sample. Upon delivery of your testing kit, a specialist from our company will be giving you a call to walk you through how to properly perform the nasopharyngeal swab procedure. This process of performing your at-home test is simple but we will be there by call to assist you through the necessary steps to ensure they are carried out correctly.
Results and Next Steps
In most cases, you will receive the results of your test in 2-3 weeks once our lab has received your specimen. Your comprehensive test results will arrive through USPS to the address you provided to us when qualifying for your test. You may also contact us at any time to request an address change if you prefer. Your results will also be mailed to your healthcare provider at the office of which you visit them. In your results, you will see a detailed outcome of which viruses and bacteria have been tested, and whether you tested positive or negative.
Once you have received your respiratory pathogen panel test results, you may then discuss the outcome with your healthcare provider. This will allow yourself and your healthcare provider to decide if a preventative care plan is necessary for improving your health. Your results will disclose whether any viral or bacterial infections have been discovered in your upper or lower respiratory tracts, and their associated sicknesses. A positive test means your results revealed that one or more pathogens were found to cause a respiratory infection diagnosis. A negative test means your results revealed that no pathogens were found and therefore, you have no respiratory infection. If your test is positive and a discovery was found that your infection is serious, you may be referred to a specialist. In most cases, respiratory infections are minor and can be handled with proper diagnosis and treatment.
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