Is it the flu or COVID? Both illnesses share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, making it challenging to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone. This overlap complicates diagnosis, and the situation is further complicated if there’s an undiagnosed co-infection with another respiratory pathogen, such as bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The diagnosis and treatment plan can vary significantly depending on the specific infections identified, making accurate testing crucial.

Respiratory tract infections are caused by a variety of pathogens, often presenting with similar symptoms, which makes clinical diagnosis based solely on symptoms unreliable. While viruses are the most common cause, bacteria can also be responsible. Large, comprehensive panels might not be suitable for every seasonal or geographic need. Therefore, a single, customizable panel that allows for the selection of specific pathogens offers a clinically effective and cost-efficient solution for accurate diagnosis and treatment.