Roche Launches New Comprehensive Respiratory Pathogen Test

The cobas eplex RP3 panel detects over 250 viruses and bacteria in a single patient sample to help clinicians make faster, more informed treatment decisions.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:22am

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Roche has announced the launch of the cobas eplex respiratory pathogen panel 3 (RP3), a new diagnostic test designed to detect a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illness. The test can identify up to 250 different pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and RSV, in a single patient sample. The rapid results enable doctors to make fast, confident, and critical treatment decisions that are vital for high-risk patients.

Why it matters

Differential diagnosis of respiratory infections can be complex, as many viruses and bacteria can cause similar symptoms. For vulnerable populations, a respiratory infection can quickly become life-threatening. The cobas eplex RP3 panel provides critical support to healthcare providers during peak respiratory seasons, helping them quickly pinpoint the exact cause of a patient's illness and start the right treatment sooner.

The details

The cobas eplex RP3 panel runs on the cobas eplex system, which is designed to simplify laboratory workflow with features like automated result reporting and external control tracking & monitoring. The test detects common pathogens like influenza and RSV, as well as newer ones like Bordetella parapertussis and Chlamydia pneumoniae. It also has updated inclusivity for influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 to ensure coverage of current and recently circulating strains. The panel offers flexible syndromic testing, allowing labs to customize up to 5 distinct panels based on local prevalence needs or unique patient presentations.

  • The cobas eplex RP3 panel is now available in countries accepting the CE mark.

The players

Roche

A healthcare company that provides transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people around the world. Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and is a leading provider of diagnostic and pharmaceutical products.

Josh Lauer

The Global Head of Molecular Labs at Roche Diagnostics.

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What they’re saying

“In respiratory care, time is everything. Knowing exactly what is making a patient sick allows clinicians to make fast, effective decisions that can save lives.”

— Josh Lauer, Global Head of Molecular Labs at Roche Diagnostics

The takeaway

The cobas eplex RP3 panel provides a powerful tool for hospitals to quickly and accurately diagnose respiratory infections, enabling them to deliver targeted care to high-risk patients and better manage surges in respiratory cases during peak seasons.