cobas® Respiratory flex

Qualitative nucleic acid test for use on the cobas® 5800/6800/8800 systems
IVD For in vitro diagnostic use.

Centralized syndromic PCR testing with the flexibility to test just what is relevant and needed

cobas® Respiratory flex for use on the cobas® 5800/6800/8800 systems is an automated, multiplex nucleic acid test that utilizes real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and temperature activation of signal (TAGS) technology for simultaneous in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of up to 12 viral results.

cobas Respiratory flex gives labs the flexibility to tailor and test just what’s needed. Existing cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems are ready right now without any system hardware or system software upgrade required. Labs can now simplify respiratory testing logistics by offering a customizable solution out of one test kit.

Gold standard PCR testing for quick and accurate identification of respiratory infections

Acute respiratory tract infections are significant causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality.1-5 Many acute respiratory illnesses present with similar symptoms, and because different types of treatment are available for some, it’s important to quickly identify the viral pathogen causing symptoms. Quick and accurate identification can lead to proper treatment within an effective time frame and help prevent further transmission.

From an accuracy standpoint, PCR is the gold standard. Beyond accuracy, which viral pathogens need to be tested often depends on a number of variables. Many institutions or labs define a testing algorithm where specific targets get tested first, then follow up testing occurs for certain patients based on initial results. To meet the requirements of their algorithm, many labs utilize a mix of single target (focused) tests and multiplex tests on a variety of platforms. This can result in duplicate testing, extra turnaround time and/or the need for additional patient samples which can delay treatment and impact patient care and costs.

Models depicting a doctor holding the hand of a patient in a wheelchair wearing a  protective medical mask
Benefits at a glance

Benefits at a glance

cobas Respiratory flex is Roche’s first test to leverage TAGS technology. 

  • Our industry-defining Temperature Activated Generation of Signal (TAGS) technology delivers more targets
  • 5 optical channels to differentiate the PCR reaction signal and 3 temperature-specific channels for higher multiplex, with up to 15 differentiated targets
  • TAGS works within the existing technology of the cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems without hardware or software changes
  • Up to 12 viral results provided with cobas Respiratory flex

Select targets and receive additional results, all from the kit within the same test run.

  • Get definitive PCR results for 12 of the most common viral respiratory infections
  • Similar time to results as other tests on your cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems
  • Choose which targets to run and get additional results through digital reflex, triggered by the initial findings
  • Customize your assay based on variables that impact what is needed, such as test setting, seasonality, local dynamics, and patient segments
  • In just one kit, confidently and quickly learn all that is medically relevant and necessary
  • cobas Respiratory flex aligns diagnostic and financial stewardship for labs by only providing the test results needed at the appropriate cost per result
  • Deliver PCR results fast (without retesting) and manage fluctuating volumes with fewer people
  • Simplify lab logistics by offering a customizable solution out of one test kit (forecasting, quality control, inventory management, etc.)
  • Beyond workflow automation, get even more value from your cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems with industry-exclusive assay automation
  • Support PCR diagnosis across the continuum of care with cobas® liat, cobas® ePlex®, and cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems

cobas Respiratory flex test clinical performance*

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cobas Respiratory flex test clinical performance*

Target virus

PPA

NPA

Influenza A

100.0%

99.1%

Influenza B

100.0%

99.8%

RSV

96.0%

99.8%

SARS-CoV-2

98.4%

98.2%

Adenovirus

100.0%

98.4%

Human Metapneumovirus

96.3%

99.8%

Enterovirus and Rhinovirus

83.9%

98.4%

Common Human Coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43)

96.4%

97.3%

Parainfluenza virus 1

100.0%

99.3%

Parainfluenza virus 2

100.0%

99.6%

Parainfluenza virus 3

95.8%

99.9%

Parainfluenza virus 4

97.4%

99.5%

cobas Respiratory flex test specifications

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cobas Respiratory flex test specifications

Product specification 

Value

Targets 

Influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus (species B, C, and E), human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus/enterovirus, common human coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43), parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4

Sample type 

Nasopharyngeal swab samples collected in Copan Universal Transport Medium System (UTM-RT®) or BD™ Universal Viral Transport System (UVT) or equivalent

Minimum amount of sample 

0.4 mL 

Technology 

First assay using Roche’s proprietary TAGS technology (Temperature Activated Generation of Signal) to enable higher multiplex within existing hardware and system software.

Size

192 tests

Open kit stability 

90 days with 40 re-uses

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* cobas® Respiratory flex for use on cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems. Instructions for Use, Pleasanton, CA; Roche Molecular Systems.

References

  1. Ferkol T, Schraufnagel D. The global burden of respiratory disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2014;11:404-6.
  2. Ghebrehewet S, MacPherson P, Ho A. Influenza. BMJ. 2016;355:i6258.
  3. World Health Organization. The global burden of disease: 2004 update. [Internet; cited 2025 Jul 22]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/43942/9789241563710_eng.pdf?sequence=1.
  4. Shi T, McAllister DA, O’Brien KL, et al. Global, regional, and national disease burden estimates of acute lower respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in young children in 2015: A systematic review and modelling study. Lancet. 2017;390:946-58.
  5. Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000. JAMA. 2004;291:1238-45.