Biofire Pneumonia Plus Panel

What is BIOFIRE Pneumonia Plus Panel test?

The BIOFIRE Pneumonia Plus Panel is a rapid, multiplex PCR test that identifies a broad range of lower respiratory tract pathogens and key antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes.

It identifies over 34 targets (18 bacteria, 9 viruses, 7 antimicrobial resistance genes) from sputum-like (sputum or endotracheal aspirate) or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)-like (BAL or mini-BAL) specimens.

Why consider BIOFIRE Pneumonia Plus Panel test?

• Deliver fast, accurate pathogen identification which allow physicians to initiate appropriate therapy more promptly for patients, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and improving overall care.
• Enhanced detection of pathogens and resistance markers compared with culture, which can improve diagnostic yield and inform escalation or de-escalation of antibiotics.
• Studies show high agreement with culture for common bacteria and the ability to detect additional clinically actionable organisms and AMR markers, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotics and shortening time to results-driven therapy.

Who should get BIOFIRE Pneumonia Plus Panel test?

• Patients with clear evidence of pneumonia where results will change management, including severe community-acquired pneumonia (often ICU), non-responders to standard therapy, and suspected hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia.
• Transitions of care where rapid identification (and AMR marker detection) can optimize therapy selection, particularly in critically ill or high-risk patients.
• Settings where broad, rapid testing of sputum-like or BAL-like samples is feasible and stewardship teams can act on results quickly.

More Information BIOFIRE Pneumonia Plus Panel test

Other Names: BIOFIRE, BIOFIRE Pneumonia Panel, Pneumonia Panel, Rapid Pneumonia Test

Fast and accurate identification of the causative agent of both community and healthcare-associated respiratory infections can help improve patient management by informing timely and effective antibiotic or antiviral therapy. A quick diagnosis can assist with directing appropriate infection control practices thereby aiding in the prevention of secondary spread of infection, shorten hospital stays, reduce ancillary testing, and reduce overall health care costs.