Guidelines
Diagnostics

Diagnostics

Diagnostics

For all patients

Detects viruses & bacteria:

  • Adenovirus

  • Coronavirus (including SARS-CoV-2)

  • Human Metapneumovirus

  • Human Rhinovirus/Entervirus

  • Influenza A (A/H1, A/H3, A/H1-2009)

  • Influenza B

  • Parainfluenza Virus (1-4)

  • Respiratory Syncytical Virus

  • Bordetella parapertussis

  • Bordetella pertussis

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae

For hospitalized patients being empirically treated for MRSA or P. aeruginosa. Not routinely recommended for outpatients however patients with recent antibiotic exposure or risk factors for Pseudomonas

  • Challenging to obtain valid sample
  • Poor yield limits its impact on management and patient outcomes
  • Obtain sputum with high Q-score (truly purulent from lower respiratory tract)

For severe CAP and hospitalized patients being empirically treated for MRSA or P. aeruginosa

For severe CAP or when epidemiological risk factors present (institutional Legionella outbreak, recent travel)

Consider for hospitalized patients being empirically treated for MRSA

  • Serial levels can be used to guide de-escalation of antibiotics
  • Negative PCT should not be used to withhold antibiotics at time of diagnosis

CURB-65 Score