What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms such as a persistent cough, runny nose, sore throat, or fever and want to know if parainfluenza virus is the cause. It helps distinguish a parainfluenza infection from other respiratory illnesses so you can understand what you're dealing with. Knowing the exact cause can help you avoid unnecessary antibiotics and manage your symptoms more effectively.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, simple next steps include resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding contact with others until symptoms improve, since parainfluenza is a virus and antibiotics won't help. A downloadable standard lab report is available in your account, and if you get tested again in the future, you can track your results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with ongoing cough, congestion, sore throat, or fever that isn't improving, especially if symptoms have lasted several days, may want to consider this test. It's also useful for people who've been around someone diagnosed with a respiratory virus and want to confirm whether they've picked up the same infection. Parents of young children with croup-like symptoms often consider this test since parainfluenza is a common cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that suggest you may need this test include a barking cough, hoarseness, runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, and wheezing. In young children, parainfluenza often causes croup, which shows up as a distinctive harsh cough and noisy breathing. If these symptoms stick around or get worse instead of improving, it may be time to test.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days from when your sample is collected at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your online account. Because respiratory viruses often need prompt attention, keep an eye on your symptoms in the meantime and seek medical care right away if you have trouble breathing.

What is parainfluenza and why does it matter?

Parainfluenza is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs, causing symptoms ranging from a mild cold to more serious illnesses like croup or bronchitis, especially in young children and older adults. It matters because knowing you have this specific virus helps you skip unnecessary antibiotics, which only work on bacteria, and instead focus on rest and symptom relief. It also helps you understand how contagious you might be so you can protect others.

How can I naturally support my recovery from a respiratory virus?

Getting plenty of rest, drinking warm fluids like tea or broth, and using a humidifier can help soothe irritated airways and loosen congestion. Gargling with warm salt water may ease a sore throat, and honey can help calm a cough in adults and older children. Eating nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated supports your immune system while your body fights off the virus.

How often should I retest?

If your symptoms fully resolve, there's usually no need to retest for parainfluenza. However, if new respiratory symptoms develop weeks or months later, testing again makes sense since it could be a new infection rather than a lingering one. Repeat testing is also reasonable if you were exposed to someone else with a confirmed respiratory virus.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive, focus on rest, fluids, and over-the-counter symptom relief like fever reducers or throat lozenges while your body clears the virus. Limit close contact with others, especially infants, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system, since parainfluenza spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. If you develop trouble breathing, high fever, or symptoms that worsen instead of improve, seek medical care right away.

What causes a parainfluenza infection to develop?

Parainfluenza spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. It's more common in fall and winter months and spreads easily in places where people are in close contact, like schools or daycare centers. Weakened immune systems, such as in young children or older adults, make people more likely to develop noticeable symptoms once infected.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Parainfluenza Virus Test - Respiratory Symptom Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Parainfluenza Virus Test for Cough and Cold Symptoms

Parainfluenza Virus Antigen Detection, DFA

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Parainfluenza Virus Test for Cough and Cold Symptoms

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say