Patient Case Study 3
PCR for Respiratory Infections
Before PCR Testing
A 10-year-old boy, Conner, was taken to his local pediatrician after experiencing fever and a deep cough.
The physician ordered a point-of-care test for both influenza and group A streptococcus. Both tests returned negative results, and Conner was sent home.
PCR for Respiratory Infections
After PCR Testing
Four days later, Conner was admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulty and was sent to the ICU.
A full respiratory panel PCR test was ordered STAT on the same sample.
HealthTrackRx PCR testing returned rapid results within 24 hours. Adenovirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae were detected. Conner was quickly put on the correct antibiotic.
If the physician had used complete PCR diagnostics when symptoms worsened, the correct antibiotic could have been given, and hospitalization likely would have been avoided.
