Test to Check for Infection in the Nose, Throat, Airways, and Lungs (Respiratory Panel): What to Know

Why am I having this test?

A respiratory panel checks if you have germs such as a virus or bacteria in your respiratory system. This system includes the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. In this test, a sample of fluid from your nose and throat is sent to a lab.

You may need this test if:

You have a fever, cough, or sore throat.
You work or travel in places where you might catch germs.
You've been near someone who is sick. Or many people around you are sick.

It's important to know if you have a virus or bacteria, even if you don't feel sick. You can spread it to others before you feel sick. Knowing the type of germ will also help your health care provider plan your treatment.

You don't have to prepare for this test.

What is being tested?

This test looks for germs in your respiratory system. The test can:

Find out if it's a virus or bacteria.
Find germs that other tests may miss.

What kind of sample is taken?

A sample being collected by swabbing the nose.

A fluid sample from the back of your nose and throat is collected using a swab.

What happens during the test?

Your provider will:

Ask you to tilt your head back.
Put a swab in one nostril and move it to the back of your nose.
Roll the swab gently to collect the sample. They might use the same swab for both sides of your nose.

If you have a deviated septum or blockage, it can make it hard to collect the sample from one nostril. If it's hard to get the sample from one nostril, the provider will try the other nostril. If they still can't get the sample, they might:

Put the swab in your mouth to the back of your throat.
Put the swab halfway inside your nose.

They might also use a sterile saline solution. This is a germ-free mixture of salt and water. The sample will be collected by:

Putting a small amount of the salt water into your nose using a syringe.
Suctioning the fluid into a cup.

The sample will be put in a tube with your name on it and sent to the lab.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative.

What do the results mean?

A positive result means you have a germ.
A negative result means that you don't have a germ.

If your result is positive, the test might tell you what type of virus or bacteria you have, such as:

Flu (influenza) virus.
Coronavirus.
Rhinovirus.
Adenovirus.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Bacteria that cause whooping cough and certain types of lung infection (pneumonia).

Talk with your provider about what your results mean. In some cases, more tests may be needed to confirm the results.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your provider, or the department that's doing the test:

When will my results be ready?
How will I get my results?
What are my treatment options?
What other tests do I need?
What are my next steps?

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.