This is an integrated multiplex PCR-based test for the simultaneous detection of 26 of the most commonly diagnosed diarrhea pathogens in humans (14 bacterial species, including toxigenic C. difficile A/B, 9 viruses, and 3 parasites). This panel test is performed using the Applied Biosystems® OpenArray™ technology, which is ≥99% in both sensitivity and specificity for the above pathogen grouping.

This DPP panel has been shown to have a much higher (at least 4.4-fold) detection rate than conventional methods and has also been shown to improve clinical management, reduce or eliminate hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs significantly¹. The turnaround time (TAT) for this test is 24 hours after the sample is received in our lab, and our staff reports the positive results to the referring practices immediately after completion. The samples are usually sent overnight via Federal Express by the patients in the provided pre-paid envelope, and hence the results are known in most instances within 24 hours to the physician and the patient. For the complete list of pathogens and genotypic antibiotic resistance markers tested, click here.

• Diagnostic culture-independent methods in lieu of evaluation using stool culture should be used in situations where the individual patient is at high risk of spreading disease to others, and during known or suspected outbreaks.
• Culture-independent methods for stool diagnostics should be used in cases of dysentery, moderate–severe disease, and symptoms lasting >7 days to clarify the etiology of the patient’s illness and enable specific directed therapy.
• Traditional methods of diagnosis (bacterial culture, microscopy with and without special stains and immunofluorescence, and antigen testing) fail to reveal the etiology of the majority of cases of acute diarrheal infection. Culture-independent methods of diagnosis should be recommended in lieu of or as an adjunct to traditional methods.

• Antibiotics prevent millions of deaths each year and remain the primary treatment for potentially fatal bacterial infections. Yet inappropriate prescription rates and overuse have led to antibiotic resistance that has created a global health emergency and kills at least 700,000 people a year. If no action is taken, it is predicted to increase to 10 million deaths per year by 2050.²
• It has been estimated that by 2050, 10 million worldwide deaths could result from antibiotic resistance, making it deadlier than cancer.³