Overview

Testing and early detection is important when it comes to optimal medical care. Quick detection and immediate treatment through our lab tests for many illnesses are critical in saving lives — especially in children and older adults whose bodies cannot handle the increased stress from viral and bacterial infections.

CareCentrics Lab offers in-house testing for many viruses and bacterial infections with results in as little as 2 hours. We specialize in respiratory conditions, and we constantly add tests that are valuable to the general public based on current predictions of seasonal concerns.
Our lab is a full-service facility with the ability to test for hormones, most STDs, a wide variety of drug testing, and wellness panels.
Contact us for more details.

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(224) 888-3033
(224) 888-3033

Respiratory Specialty Lab Tests

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Influenza A&B

Also known as the common flu, Influenza A and B are two different strains of the same Influenza virus. It is an airborne virus and usually spread through droplets in the air, but can also be transmitted through objects like keyboards and doorknobs.
Usually the symptoms are mild and does not require hospitalization. However in young children and adults over 65 years of age, they can manifest more severe complications such as Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma flare-ups, heart problems, trouble breathing, ear infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The Influenza A strain is fast changing and mutating and accounts for most of the Influenza infections in the world. The Influenza B strain changes more slowly than the A strain, however can show more severe symptoms. Most Influenza tests checks for both strains of the virus to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms. Because many symptoms overlap and coincide with several different illnesses, practitioners like to rule out the more common diseases first to narrow down the possibilities and find the root cause.

CareCentrics Lab has both strip tests for point of care diagnosis, as well as the more accurate molecular and PCR tests for more sensitive detection.

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Strep A

Strep throat is a bacterial infection commonly found in the throat and skin and is caused by the Streptococcus pyrogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is most commonly found in children, but can also infect people of all ages. If left untreated, Strep throat can lead to kidney infection or Rheumatic Fever. Rheumatic Fever causes painful inflammation of the joints, a rash, and heart valve damage. Some of the symptoms of Strep throat is sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, headache, nausea, rash and sometimes small red dots in the back and roof of the mouth. Because these symptoms coincide with other illnesses, without proper testing is often missed. Therefore, if Strep A is suspected, immediate testing is crucial in identifying and treating this infection to prevent possible long term damage. A quick strip test can be used as a point of care option, and the remaining sample will be processed in our in house lab for a more accurate diagnosis. If the bacteria is present in small quantities or if tested too early, the strip test can sometimes miss the presence of the Strep A bacteria. A follow up PCR test is necessary to detect even the smallest amount of the bacteria for more accurate results.
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Pertussis / Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough is a respiratory disorder caused by the Bordetella Pertussis bacteria. It is a highly contagious disorder that mostly affects infants and young children. It can also be found in teenagers and older adults with no or diminished immunity. It is an airborne illness and can be transmitted by coughing and sneezing and droplet transference. Complications from whooping cough in teenagers and adults are not severe. However, in children and infants especially under the age of 6 months, complications from whooping cough are more severe and can lead to pneumonia, trouble breathing, dehydration, seizures and brain damage.

Our most common molecular testing are:

🫁 Respiratory Molecular Testing Panel

A respiratory molecular panel is a laboratory test that uses advanced techniques (like PCR – polymerase chain reaction) to detect the genetic material of multiple viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections. Unlike traditional cultures, molecular testing provides faster and more accurate results.

What It Tests For

Depending on the panel, it may include 20+ pathogens, such as:

  • Viruses: Influenza A & B, RSV, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Human Metapneumovirus, Coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2).

  • Bacteria: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis.

Benefits of a Respiratory Panel

  • Rapid results (often same day).

  • Detects multiple infections at once (important since symptoms overlap).

  • High accuracy – even small amounts of virus/bacteria can be detected.

  • Guides treatment – helps doctors decide if antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive care are needed.

  • Supports infection control – important for hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities to limit outbreaks.

When It’s Used

  • Patients with severe respiratory symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, fever, persistent cough).

  • Cases where a quick diagnosis is important (e.g., children, elderly, immunocompromised patients).

  • Situations where ruling out multiple pathogens at once prevents unnecessary treatments.

Limitations

  • Detects presence of the organism, but not always whether it’s causing symptoms (some people may carry viruses without being sick).

  • May be more expensive than single tests.

  • Not always needed for mild, routine respiratory illnesses.

💧 Urine Molecular Testing

Urine molecular testing uses advanced genetic methods (such as PCR – polymerase chain reaction) to detect the DNA or RNA of pathogens in a urine sample. Unlike traditional urine cultures, which may take days and sometimes miss hard-to-grow organisms, molecular testing is rapid, sensitive, and highly accurate.

What It Can Detect

Depending on the test panel, it may identify:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and other bacteria.

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma.

  • Antibiotic Resistance Genes: Some panels detect genes that make bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, helping guide precise treatment.

Benefits of Urine Molecular Testing

  • Fast results – often within 24–48 hours.

  • High sensitivity – detects infections missed by traditional cultures.

  • Broad pathogen coverage – one test can check for multiple bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

  • Antibiotic stewardship – helps select the right treatment, reducing unnecessary or ineffective antibiotic use.

  • Convenience – non-invasive, simple urine collection.

When It’s Used

  • Patients with recurrent UTIs or persistent urinary symptoms despite prior negative cultures.

  • Complicated UTIs in elderly, diabetic, or immunocompromised patients.

  • Screening for STIs or unusual urinary pathogens.

  • When precise, rapid diagnosis is needed to avoid delays in care.

Limitations

  • May detect colonization (organisms present without causing disease).

  • May be more costly than standard urine culture.

  • Should be interpreted with clinical symptoms to avoid overtreatment.

🧪 Ready for Fast & Accurate Results?

Book your Molecular Test today and get answers within hours — not days.

✅ Respiratory & Urine Panels
✅ Detect multiple pathogens in one sample
✅ Ideal for children, elderly & immunocompromised patients

📞 Call us at (224) 888-3033

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