Potential Impact of Flexible Respiratory Testing: Clinical and Economic Benefits
By Steve Michalik
Accurate, timely diagnosis of respiratory infections is essential, but traditional syndromic panels—testing all pathogens every time—can be costly and often clinically unnecessary
Their use of complex two-step algorithms, where a small, targeted panel is run first and followed by a broader syndromic panel if negative, can significantly delay results. As a result, fixed syndromic panels are frequently limited to inpatient use only.
Bridget Parsons, MSPH, Market Access Manager at Diasorin, recently shared in a presentation at ADLM how the LIAISON PLEX® Respiratory Flex Assay is transforming the way laboratories, hospitals, and clinicians approach respiratory diagnostics. Her message is clear: you shouldn’t have to choose between clinical answers and financial sustainability.
Why flexibility matters
As Parsons explained, unlike traditional, fixed syndromic panels, the Flex™ Testing approach allows laboratories and healthcare providers to:
- Customize the test menu to meet patient and institutional needs.
- Align testing with guidelines and reimbursement requirements.
- Support diagnostic stewardship by focusing only on pathogens relevant to the clinical picture.
This translates to reduced unnecessary testing and smarter use of resources.
Real world impact
The impact of flexible respiratory testing is best seen through real-world examples across different healthcare settings.
At academic medical centers, where patient populations are diverse and testing needs shift with the seasons, targeted panels have proven to maximize diagnostic yield. In a retrospective analysis of respiratory testing prevalence data, one medical center found that it could have captured 92% of positive cases using a smaller prevalence-driven panel with only 8% requiring additional follow-up testing. The result of shifting that testing to a smaller panel would have amounted to >$300,000 of testing costs that could have been redirected to a flexible testing strategy. This would have conserved resources without compromising diagnostic yield, demonstrating that smarter panel design can deliver both efficiency and accuracy.1
In community hospitals, the story is one of tailoring diagnostics to the setting. Rather than running large multiplex panels for every patient, clinicians can rely on small, focused panels designed for specific environments such as pediatric or adult emergency departments, or outpatient clinics. Larger panels are reserved only for the most vulnerable patients, e.g., those who are immunocompromised, aging, or severely ill. By shifting to this targeted approach, one hospital reduced the number of full syndromic tests by more than half. Using a market average for a syndromic panel of $139, this would have represented a reduction in syndromic testing costs of more than $100,000. The resulting savings could be used toward a more targeted testing strategy while still ensuring that patients received care that was timely, relevant, and precise.2
Meanwhile, commercial laboratories benefit from a model that combines a reliable base panel with a menu of flexible add-ons. This structure allows labs to adapt to client needs, regional prevalence patterns, and even seasonal changes in respiratory illness. By offering this level of customization, laboratories can expand their service offerings while maintaining operational efficiency—a win-win for both the lab and its clients.
The benefits at a glance
Across these settings, the advantages of flexible testing come into sharp focus. Speed and accuracy improve as automated workflows reduce hands-on time and deliver faster results. Adaptability is built in, with panels that can shift according to seasonal trends, patient demographics, or institutional protocols. Costs are optimized by avoiding redundant testing and aligning with dynamic reimbursement guidelines. Most importantly, patient care is elevated: by focusing on the most relevant pathogens, providers can support diagnostic stewardship and ensure that patients receive the right treatment sooner at a reduced out-of-pocket cost.
One panel. Endless possibilities.
Respiratory testing doesn’t need to be “all or nothing.” With the LIAISON PLEX® Respiratory Flex™ Assay and Flex Testing, healthcare providers gain the freedom to tailor diagnostics, reduce unnecessary costs, and deliver the high-quality care patients deserve.
For more information, contact: MarketAccess@diasorin.com
To read more about how LIAISON PLEX RSP Flex is changing respiratory testing, check out these other blogs:
Advancing Respiratory Diagnostics: Customization and Cost Control with the LIAISON PLEX® System
“Smarter Diagnostics” with a Flex™ Respiratory Testing Approach
- Pancholi, P., & Parsons, B. (2025, June 22). Potential Benefits of Timely, Flexible, and Cost-Effective Respiratory Pathogen Testing During a Public Health Outbreak [Poster presentation]. ASM 2025 Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Parsons, B. (2025, July 29). Potential Impact of Flexible Respiratory Testing: Clinical and Economic Benefits. [Conference presentation]. ADLM 2025 Chicago, IL, USA.
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