Epidemiologically Important Infections Panel
A laboratory panel that screens a submitted specimen for evidence of selected infections that may be important because of outbreak, exposure, travel, or public-health concerns.
["This panel can help identify certain infectious organisms when the cause of illness is unclear or an outbreak or exposure is suspected."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68991-9
- Short code
- Epidemiologically important info pnl
- Synonyms
- Epidemiologically important info pnl
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The epidemiologically important infections panel is a group of laboratory tests designed to look for evidence of selected infectious organisms. The organisms included may vary by the laboratory and the clinical situation.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this panel when you have an unexplained illness with fever or other symptoms, after an exposure to a contagious disease, or when travel, contact with an infected person, or an outbreak raises concern about a particular infection.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory analyzes a specimen such as blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory material, or another sample specified by the ordered panel. The laboratory uses validated testing methods to determine whether evidence of the organisms covered by the panel is present.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the specimen and the specific panel ordered. Follow your clinician's collection instructions, and ask whether fasting, medication changes, or testing at a particular time is required; for many blood-based panels, fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result may support a current infection with one of the organisms included, but the result must be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings. A negative result does not completely exclude infection, particularly if the specimen was collected late or the infection is not detectable by the panel.
Short name
Epidemiologically important infections panel
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result always mean I am sick?
Can this panel rule out every possible infection?
Why might a public-health laboratory be involved?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy