Molecular testing
Molecular testing helps identify infectious pathogens by detecting their genetic material directly from a patient specimen. Our comprehensive molecular testing solutions support the diagnosis and management of respiratory, urinary, wound, and sexually transmitted infections.
By identifying specific pathogens—and, when available, relevant resistance markers—molecular testing can help clinicians make informed treatment decisions more efficiently.
Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP)
Respiratory infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or multiple pathogens at the same time. A molecular Respiratory Pathogen Panel can test for a broad range of common respiratory organisms from a single specimen.
Common applications
   Patients with cough, fever, congestion, sore throat, or shortness of breath
   Influenza-like illness
   Suspected viral or bacterial respiratory infection
   Patients at higher risk for complications
   Hospitalized or immunocompromised patients
   Situations where rapid pathogen identification may support infection-control decisions
Potential benefits
   Detects multiple respiratory pathogens in one test
   Supports targeted clinical management
   May help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use when a viral pathogen is identified
   Can support appropriate isolation and infection-control measures
   Provides information that may be useful for patients with overlapping or atypical symptoms
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Testing
Molecular UTI testing detects genetic material from organisms associated with urinary tract infections. Some panels may also identify selected antimicrobial resistance markers.
Common applications
   Symptoms of cystitis or urinary infection
   Recurrent or complicated UTIs
   Suspected kidney infection
   Patients with indwelling urinary catheters
   Persistent symptoms despite treatment
   Patients with a history of resistant organisms
Potential benefits
   Rapid identification of common urinary pathogens
   Detection of more than one organism in a specimen, when applicable
   May identify selected resistance genes
   Can provide additional information to support antimicrobial selection
   May be useful when conventional culture results are delayed or difficult to interpret
Wound Testing
Wound infections may involve a combination of aerobic, anaerobic, and resistant organisms. Molecular wound testing can help identify pathogens directly from a wound specimen and, depending on the test, detect selected antimicrobial resistance markers.
Common applications
   Suspected infected wounds
   Diabetic foot infections
   Surgical-site infections
   Chronic or nonhealing wounds
   Pressure ulcers
   Abscesses and soft-tissue infections
   Wounds that are not responding to initial therapy
Potential benefits
   Identifies multiple potential pathogens from one specimen
   Supports more informed treatment decisions
   May detect selected resistance markers
   Can complement culture and other laboratory findings
   May be especially helpful when prior antibiotics affect culture recovery
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing
Molecular STI testing provides sensitive detection of common sexually transmitted pathogens. Testing can be tailored to symptoms, exposure history, anatomical site, and clinical risk.
Pathogens commonly tested
Depending on the panel, molecular STI testing may detect:
   Chlamydia trachomatis
   Neisseria gonorrhoeae
   Trichomonas vaginalis
   Mycoplasma genitalium
   Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
   Human papillomavirus, where indicated by the test
   Other organisms included in the laboratory’s validated menu
Common applications
   Screening based on sexual history or risk
   Genital, rectal, or pharyngeal symptoms
   Known exposure to an STI
   Recurrent or persistent symptoms
   Partner testing and follow-up
   Prenatal or reproductive health evaluation, when clinically indicated
Potential benefits
   Sensitive detection of common sexually transmitted pathogens
   Site-specific testing based on exposure and symptoms
   Supports timely treatment and partner notification
   Helps identify infections that may be asymptomatic
   Can be used for screening or diagnostic evaluation, depending on the assay
Why Choose Molecular Testing?
   Broad pathogen detection: Test for multiple organisms from one specimen.
   Actionable results: Help clinicians select appropriate next steps.
   High analytical sensitivity: Detect low levels of pathogen genetic material.
   Efficient workflow: Streamline testing when multiple infections are possible.
   Support for antimicrobial stewardship: Provide information that may help avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatment.
Test Results and Clinical Interpretation
A positive molecular result indicates that genetic material from the target organism was detected. A negative result means that the target was not detected above the assay’s limit of detection; it does not always rule out infection.

Contact us to learn more about available panels, specimen requirements, ordering procedures, and clinical support.