Molecular detection of respiratory pathogens
NPs underwent testing for influenza virus utilizing Prodesse ProFlu+
(Hologic, Bedford, MA) according to manufacturer instructions. A total
of 41% (799/1941) had sufficient residual volumes to permit further
testing with the ePlex RP RUO cartridge (Genmark Diagnostics, Carlsbad,
CA). This multiplex assay detects: adenovirus (AdV); coronavirus HKU1,
NL63, OC43, 229E, MERs (CoV); human metapneumovirus (hMPV); influenza A,
A/H1N1, A/H1N1pdm 2009, A/H3N2 (IAV); influenza B (IBV), parainfluenza
1-4 (PIV), rhinovirus/enterovirus (RhV/EV), RSV A/B (RSV),Bordetella pertussis , Chlamydia pneumoniae ,Legionella pneumophila , Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M.
pneumo ). Testing was performed per manufacturer’s instructions.
Briefly, 200 µl of NP was added to the specimen delivery device (SDD),
vortexed for 10 seconds and added to the RP RUO cartridge. RP RUO
cartridges were run on the ePlex platform. The complete assay time was 1
hour and 40 minutes.