Know what is behind the cough
A respiratory infection PCR panel that screens for a wide range of bacteria, viruses and other organisms from a single sample, to help your doctor tell what is actually causing your symptoms.
A quick respiratory swab or sputum sample.
How would you like to get started?
Book online
Pick a branch and a time that suits you. No doctor's referral needed.
Book a visitWhat does the panel screen for?
A wide range of respiratory organisms from a single sample, grouped into bacteria, viruses and other organisms, so your doctor can see what is driving your symptoms.
Bacteria
Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, TB. The bacterial causes of chest and respiratory infections, including whooping cough, atypical pneumonias and TB.
Viruses
Adenovirus, Bocavirus, Enterovirus, Coronavirus, Metapneumovirus, Parainfluenza (4 types), RSV-A, RSV-B, Rhinovirus, Influenza A/B/C. The common and seasonal respiratory viruses, from flu and RSV to the common-cold viruses.
Other organisms
Pneumocystis jirovecii. A fungal cause of pneumonia, important in people with weakened immunity.
Three steps, no GP needed
Book or walk in
Book online or walk into any branch. No doctor's referral needed.
Respiratory sample
A clinician takes a quick respiratory swab or sputum sample. No fasting needed.
Results in 5 to 7 days
A clear report of the organisms found, to guide your doctor's treatment.
Who is this for?
Most useful when a cough or chest infection is not clearing up.
A cough that lingers
A cough or chest infection that is not settling on its own.
Recurrent infections
You keep getting chest or respiratory infections.
Viral or bacterial?
You and your doctor want to know what is driving it, to guide treatment.
After a bad bout
You want clarity after a heavy respiratory illness.
Vulnerable groups
Older adults or people with weakened immunity who need answers quickly.
Whooping cough concern
A persistent, severe cough where pertussis is a question.
What people say
Friendly and competent staff. Both at reception and the nurse. A much simpler process than going through doctors. Thank you ladies.
The staff at reception as well as the nurses are friendly and professional. I've also always received results timeously. I would give 10 stars if I could.
Highly highly highly recommend. The experience was painless and the practice was inviting and well kept. The report was extremely detailed and informative and I would have this as top of my list for preventive care.
Amazing experience, highly professional staff. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
I cannot recommend Juliette and her team enough, friendly and kind from the get go. Bloods were drawn with minimal discomfort and the labs came back quickly.
Excellent experience at Epicentre. The staff were professional, kind, and took time to explain everything clearly. The facility was clean, booking was easy, and I did not feel rushed.
What this does not do
This is a screen of respiratory organisms. It is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a diagnosis on its own.
- Detecting an organism does not always mean it is the cause of your symptoms; results are read alongside your history.
- A positive TB result needs confirmatory testing and a doctor's assessment.
- It does not replace a clinical examination or a chest X-ray your doctor may order.
- If you are very breathless or seriously unwell, seek medical care now rather than waiting for results.
Quick answers
Three walk-in labs
Durban
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Johannesburg
Mon to Fri, 08:30 to 16:00
Round out the picture
Medically reviewed by Dr Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director at Epicentre Walk-In Labs. Reviewed 2 June 2026. Epicentre Aids Risk Management (Pty) Ltd provides diagnostic laboratory testing and does not provide diagnoses, treatment or prescriptions to the public; results are intended to inform discussions with a registered healthcare practitioner.
Know what is behind the cough
No doctor's referral, results in 5 to 7 working days. Book a visit or walk in, or message us if you are not sure if this is the right test.