Molecular Microbiology

Virant Diagnostics’ Molecular Microbiology Laboratory utilizes highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to detect microbial genetic material in patient specimens, supporting fast, accurate, and clinically useful infectious disease diagnosis. Virant Diagnostics offers same-day test results.

Respiratory Tract Infection Testing

The Virant Diagnostics Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) Panel uses PCR-based technology to rapidly detect and identify upper respiratory pathogens by their genetic material. Compared with traditional culture-based methods, molecular respiratory testing can provide faster and more specific pathogen identification, supporting timely treatment and infection-control decisions.

Virant Diagnostics combines advanced PCR technology with an efficient laboratory workflow to provide results within 24 hours, with most results reported the same day.

Benefits of PCR-Based Respiratory Testing

Supports faster, more targeted clinical decisions
May help reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum antimicrobial use
Supports responsible antimicrobial stewardship
Identifies pathogens that may be difficult or slow to culture
Provides greater specificity than many traditional culture-based methods

Group A Streptococcus PCR Testing

Virant Diagnostics performs molecular PCR testing for the detection of Group A Streptococcus, the primary bacterial cause of strep throat.

Unlike traditional rapid antigen detection tests, PCR testing identifies bacterial genetic material. This molecular approach provides high analytical sensitivity and can detect low levels of bacterial DNA, reducing the likelihood of false-negative results compared with less sensitive testing methods.

Urinary Tract Infection Testing (RUO)

The Virant Diagnostics Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Panel uses PCR-based technology to detect microorganisms and antibiotic-resistance genes associated with urinary tract infections. Molecular testing is designed to provide faster and more sensitive detection than traditional culture and sensitivity methods.

The comprehensive UTI Panel evaluates 30 microorganisms and 22 antibiotic-resistance genes, including targets associated with gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and antibiotic resistance.

UTI Panel Capabilities

Rapid detection of microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections
Identification of antibiotic-resistance gene markers
Detection of organisms that may be difficult to identify through traditional culture
Broad coverage across bacterial and fungal targets

This panel is currently designated for Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for use in diagnostic procedures.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing (RUO)

The Virant Diagnostics Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Panel is being developed to use PCR-based technology to detect microbial genetic material associated with sexually transmitted infections.