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Syndromic testing

Tackle respiratory infections with confidence

Stay one step ahead this respiratory season

Respiratory season doesn't always play by the rules. Surges can strike without warning, putting labs under pressure to deliver fast, accurate results.

Each year is different – pathogen trends shift, and it's hard to predict which one will rise next. Respiratory illness still poses a real risk, even with the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. But preparation brings confidence. Read on to learn how syndromic testing can help your lab stay ready for the unexpected – providing quick, definitive answers when you need them most.

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When respiratory infections look all the same, timely diagnosis makes all the difference

In this interview, Dr. Christine Ginocchio, our Chief Medical Officer, shares powerful clinical cases that show how respiratory infections can dramatically change patient outcomes.

She reveals why rapid, syndromic testing like the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel is so valuable for choosing the right diagnostic strategy. Discover how this approach helps protect vulnerable patients, improve outcomes and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship.

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Looking beyond viruses

Respiratory illness isn't always viral. Bacterial cases have been on the rise since 2023, adding new challenges for labs and clinicians. Patients with severe influenza-like illness (ILI) are increasingly affected by more than just SARS-CoV-2 or flu, and in need of different treatment.

In fact, in 2024 there was a notable increase of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis cases across the EU/EEA (1, 2) – a reminder that bacterial threats deserve just as much attention.

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The hidden risk of co-infections

Different viruses can cause acute respiratory infections on their own – but when pathogens combine, the impact can be far more serious. Co-infections are not uncommon: about 1 in 5 children with SARS-CoV-2 also tested positive for another respiratory virus.

Research shows that hMPV paired with RSV or influenza can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, complications in vulnerable patients (3). Other studies have found that bocavirus and rhinovirus co-infections are strongly associated with worse outcomes (4).

And the frequency of these combinations is rising – as illustrated in the graph below.

Most frequent pathogen co-detections over time - graphBuilt with QIAsphere data
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Multiplex panels can make your job easier

Take the stress out of respiratory diagnostics with a tool that tests for multiple pathogens all at once. With multiplex panels, you'll get fast, confident results –  whether the cause may be viral, bacterial or a co-infection. Learn how QIAstat-Dx can help your lab save time, improve patient outcomes and strengthen your hospital's diagnostic capabilities.

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Tackle antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to modern medicine. It reduces the power of treatments and increases the risk of respiratory infections progression to sepsis. In 2019 alone, lower respiratory infections linked to AMR claimed 1.5 million lives (4). But the fight isn't over. With QIAstat-Dx by your side, you can accurately identify respiratory pathogens early, support evidence-based antimicrobial use, and play a critical role in slowing the spread of resistance.

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Allison Glass, lab, testing

Outrunning viruses – multiplex testing in the field

Clinical virologist, Dr. Allison Glass, thrives on fast-paced results, whether she’s running an ultramarathon or running a state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics lab. Learn how she leverages the fast results provided by multiplex panel tests to stay one step ahead of viruses.

Read her story

That's exactly where syndromic testing can help

Flu, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections can all have very similar symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose. Sensitive multiplex PCR panel testing is a fast and simple way to accurately diagnose your patients when multiple respiratory pathogens are circulating. In fact, the CDC and the Academy of Medical Sciences "strongly support multiplex testing" in this situation (5, 6).

With the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel, you don't just get results for 23 respiratory pathogens in about an hour. You also get access to additional insights with Ct values and amplification curves, powerful connectivity features and on-demand epidemiology reports.

Fast, reliable results with QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel

Provide appropriate care sooner with the aid of QIAstat-Dx syndromic testing.

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  • icon-microbiomeFast + comprehensive
    23 targets. 1 sample. 1 step. ~1 hour.
  • icon-liquid-biopsyOne sample needed
    Just 300 µL universal transport medium or dry swab
  • icon-check-mark-circleTwo processing options
    • Dry swab
    • Liquid sample (universal transport medium)
Step one - load
Step two - scan
Step three - run
Step four - results

See the targets

Explore respiratory testing resources
QIAstat-Dx, QIAstat-Dx analyzer, syndromic testing, instrument, cartridge
* Enterovirus and Rhinovirus are both detected, but not differentiated, with the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel.

Learn more about the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel

QIAstat-Dx is your answer to rapid, comprehensive respiratory testing. Detect and differentiate 23 common respiratory viruses and bacteria, including clinically relevant targets, all in about an hour.

Learn how the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel can change the way you diagnose patients this respiratory season and beyond.

Download the brochure
Get in touch – we're ready to help you
Our team of experts is ready to help you bring the reliability of QIAstat-Dx multiplex panel testing to your lab. Contact us to see how. 
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References

  1. MDPI. (2025) A Retrospective Study of Respiratory Viruses in a Four-Year Study of Nasal Swabs from Patients with Severe Influenza-like Symptoms in the Lazio Region, Italy. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/452?utm
  2. ECDPC. (2024) Increase of pertussis cases in the EU/EEA. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/increase-pertussis-cases-eueea?utm
  3. Virology Journal. (2025) Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in 2025: emerging trends and insights from community and hospital-based respiratory panel analyses — a comprehensive review. https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-025-02782-y?utm
  4. Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators (2022) Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. Lancet 399, 10325: 629–655.
  5. Academy of Medical Sciences (2021) COVID-19: Preparing for the future – Looking ahead to winter 2021/22 and beyond. https://acmedsci.ac.uk/file-download/4747802
  6. CDC. Testing Guidance for Clinicians When SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-guidance-for-clinicians-hospitaized.htm

The QIAstat-Dx Analyzer and the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel are intended for in vitro diagnostic use. 

For up-to-date licensing information and product-specific disclaimers, see the respective QIAGEN kit instructions for use or user manual. QIAGEN instructions for use and user manuals are available at www.qiagen.com or can be requested from QIAGEN Technical Services (or your local distributor).