BioFire Testing
BioFire testing is a rapid way of identifying a respiratory infection from a single sample, such as a nasal swab or sputum sample. It delivers accurate results in around an hour, helping guide treatment decisions without the delay of laboratory testing.
What is BioFire testing?
BioFire testing detects the cause of infections quickly and accurately using a nasal swab or sputum sample. It uses advanced molecular technology to look for the genetic material of specific pathogens, and can identify multiple viruses and bacteria at the same time from a single sample, without needing to send it to an external laboratory.
BioFire testing is particularly helpful for people who feel acutely unwell and need fast answers to guide their care. It can help determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial, which is important when deciding on treatment options such as antibiotic use. It’s also useful for people preparing for surgery or planning to spend time with vulnerable loved ones who want reassurance that no underlying infection is present.
At Welbeck, our respiratory specialists offer BioFire testing for both upper and lower respiratory tract infections in our state-of-the-art Lung Health centre. Sample collection is quick and straightforward, and results are usually available within 2 hours from processing, giving you and your clinician rapid, clear guidance on what to do next.
More information
BioFire testing is straightforward, quick, non-invasive, and pain-free. At Welbeck, we offer 2 types of BioFire testing to cover both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Before your test, a respiratory clinician will advise which panel is most suitable for you, or if you need to do both tests.
BioFire test options
Test panel | Area of infection | Number of pathogens tested | Sample required |
Respiratory 2.1 panel | upper respiratory tract | 22 | nasal swab |
Pneumonia Plus panel | lower respiratory tract | 33 | sputum |
Depending on the test, you’ll either have a nasal swab taken by one of our trained physiologists or be asked to provide a sputum sample by coughing deeply into a sterile container. Sample collection usually takes as little as 5 to 10 minutes.
Once your sample has been collected, it’s placed into the BioFire cartridge for processing, and you’re free to go home or continue with your usual activities.
You’ll receive your results via an encrypted email within 2 hours of your sample being processed. The test report will indicate a positive or negative result for the pathogens tested. If your result is positive, the report will also provide the next steps for you to follow.
BioFire testing is very safe, with no known medical risks. Some people may notice mild, brief discomfort during sample collection, but this settles quickly.
There’s no special preparation needed for BioFire testing. You can eat, drink and take your usual medications before your appointment. Our physiologists will guide you through the sample collection process to make it as quick and comfortable as possible.
Once you’ve provided your sample, you can carry on with your usual activities straight away. You’ll receive your results and any further advice via an encrypted email within 2 hours of your sample being processed.
The cost of BioFire testing is:
Respiratory 2.1 panel: £195
Pneumonia Plus panel: £230
At Welbeck, our respiratory consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
We accept self-referrals to book BioFire testing, or you may be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
To book an appointment, please contact our Lung Health centre via phone or email, or enquire using the booking form at the top of this page.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you’ve obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Dr Reza AbdullahConsultant Respiratory Physician
Professor Sujal DesaiConsultant Radiologist
Dr Shalin DiwanjiConsultant Respiratory Physician
Dr Dean CreerRespiratory Consultant
Dr Justin GarnerRespiratory Physician
Professor Peter GeorgeRespiratory Consultant
Dr Susannah BlochRespiratory Consultant
Dr Sarah ElkinRespiratory Consultant
Dr Joana Alcada da CostaConsultant in Respiratory Medicine and Intensive Care
Our locations
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. While BioFire testing is often used for people who feel acutely unwell, it can also be helpful if you don’t have symptoms but want reassurance. This includes situations such as preparing for surgery or planning to visit vulnerable loved ones. Our team can help you decide whether the test is appropriate for you.
A result showing no infection can still be very useful. It helps rule out common viral and bacterial causes of your symptoms and may prevent unnecessary treatment, such as antibiotics. You’ll receive your results and any further advice via an encrypted email within 2 hours of your sample being processed.
Yes. It’s possible to carry out both the Respiratory 2.1 panel and the Pneumonia Plus panel on the same day, provided the appropriate samples are taken. A respiratory clinician will advise whether one or both tests are recommended, based on your symptoms, upcoming surgery, or the level of reassurance you’re looking for.
Yes. The Respiratory 2.1 panel includes testing for COVID-19, alongside other common respiratory viruses and bacteria. Your clinician will explain exactly what’s being tested for when you have your test.