Asia Pathogenomics (APG)

Comprehensive： Able to Detect 27,000 types of Pathogens (Bacteria, Fungus, Viruses, Parasite) in under a Single Test

Precise： Compared to Conventional Microbiology Methods, able to increase in 62 % Positive Pathogen Detection Rate

Efficient： Provide Report within 24-48 hrs. to Assist Physicians in Time for Making Clinical Decisions

Patients diagnosed by clinicians as having infections and in need of testing, such as those with rapidly progressing sepsis, severe illness, or cases where conventional pathogen diagnostics are challenging.

The APGseq consists of five steps:

1. Extraction: Extract all nucleic acids from the patient’s sample.
2. Library Preparation: Using the Shotgun method, fragmentize all obtained nucleic acids and assign identifiable tags.
3. Sequencing: Utilize a sequencer with optical detection to sequence the prepared nucleic acid fragments, generating sequencing data.
4. Analysis: Analyze the sequencing data using bioinformatics analysis and match it against pathogen databases to identify which sequences may correspond to infectious pathogens.
5. Reporting: Clinical laboratory technician will review the analysis of potential pathogens and generate a final report for review by the designated physician.

1. Consult with the attending physician to determine the appropriate testing specifications.
2. The physician will identify the infection site, and relevant departments will collect the appropriate sample (e.g., blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or tissue).
3. The test will be outsourced to an accredited external laboratory (Laboratory Developed Tests and Services, license number LDT0014). Samples will be sent to the Asia Pathogenomics Medical Laboratory (Address: 9F-12, No. 93, Section 1, Xintai 5th Road, Xizhi District, New Taipei City) for analysis.
4. Turnaround time: Starting from the receipt of the sample at the accredited laboratory, a laboratory version of the test report will be provided to the institution within 3 working days for review by the designated physician.
5. After the physician’s review, an internal report version will be issued to the attending physician and relevant requesting departments.

(No medical procedure is risk-free; known risks are listed below, while some unforeseen risks may not be included.)

1. The detection limit varies by pathogen type, approximately ranging from 1 to 678 cells per 500 mL. Microorganisms below this detection limit may not be identified.
2. A negative result in the report does not rule out the possibility of infection by a pathogen, especially if it is outside the test's detection range.
3. The use of antibiotics can reduce the microbial load in the sample, potentially affecting the detection rate. If the patient has already started anti-infective treatment before or during sample collection, it is essential to communicate this with the attending physician, as it may impact pathogen detection.
4. Due to the principles of the test, current technological limitations, and individual patient differences, there may still be cases where pathogens are not detected or the test may fail, even with strict adherence to procedures in hospitals or accredited laboratories.
5. Although nucleic acid testing is highly accurate, rare errors may still occur.
6. In some cases (e.g., insufficient sample volume, clotting, hemolysis, etc.), incorrect sample collection sites, or nucleic acid extraction yielding lower-than-recommended amounts, there may be detection issues, potentially requiring a repeat sample.
7. This test result should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other medical decisions. Pathogens detected by this test may not always be the actual cause of infection. Other tests may also be required for a comprehensive assessment, with final clinical decisions made by the attending physician.

To protect patient safety under medical regulations, our laboratory responsibility is limited to generating the report. Only the attending physician can professionally interpret the report’s results. Any explanation of the report, as well as further treatment plans, please discuss with your attending physician.