The Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test is a comprehensive molecular diagnostic test designed to rapidly identify the most common pathogens responsible for acute febrile illnesses. The real-time multiplex PCR technology, simultaneously detect the genetic material DNA or RNA for 20 bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens from a single patient sample, eliminating the need for multiple separate tests and reducing diagnostic uncertainty.
The Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test is particularly valuable for identifying eight significant infectious agents commonly linked to fever, including
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Plasmodium spp. (Malaria)
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Dengue virus
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Salmonella spp. (Typhoid)
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Rickettsia spp. (Spotted fever)
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Chikungunya virus
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West Nile virus
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Leptospira spp. (Leptospirosis)
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Zika virus
Indications of the Test
The Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test is recommended for you in the in the following cases:
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Persistent High Fever: For patients experiencing a fever above 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than two days, especially when the cause is unclear.
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Relevant Travel History: For individuals who have recently traveled to areas where diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, or malaria are endemic.
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Ineffective Medication: When standard treatments fail to reduce fever, suggesting a possible resistant or atypical infectious agent.
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Complex or Unexplained Febrile Illness: When initial investigations do not reveal a clear cause, or when multiple infections are suspected.
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Public Health Surveillance: To support early identification of outbreaks and enable swift intervention.
Patient Preparation/Instructions
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No special preparation or fasting is required before taking the Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test.
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It is advisable to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are currently taking, as well as any recent travel history or known exposures to infectious agents.
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The test typically requires a blood sample, but in some cases, saliva or other recommended specimens may be collected.
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Sample collection is performed by a trained healthcare professional, following standard safety and hygiene protocols.
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After collection, the sample is sent to an accredited laboratory for PCR analysis.
Typical Reference Values
The Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test provides qualitative results for each pathogen included in the panel:
| Pathogen Detected | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (not detected) | No evidence of infection with that pathogen |
| Positive (detected) | Indicates presence of the specific pathogen |
Abnormal results i.e., detection of one or more pathogens require further clinical evaluation and management by your healthcare provider. The presence of a pathogen will may prompt additional diagnostic testing.
Turnaround Time
The results are typically available within 24 hours of sample collection.
How to Order the Fever Panel and Multiplex PCR
Please click the ‘Order Test’ button and put Fever Panel Multiplex PCR Test in your cart. You are welcome to visit our laboratory in Kilimani, Nairobi. This will initiate the process for obtaining your test.