All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified
Prescription & fees included
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
Easy to understand results
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Fast & convenient
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
Prescription & fees included
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
Easy to understand results
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Fast & convenient
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified
What's this test for?
This test is ideal if you're experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms such as a persistent cough, sore throat, runny nose, or trouble breathing and want to know if a parainfluenza virus is the cause. It's especially useful for young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system who tends to get harder-hit by respiratory infections. Knowing the exact virus behind your symptoms can help you manage your illness properly and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
How should I prepare for this test?
How can you naturally support your immune system while managing a suspected respiratory virus? Staying well-hydrated, getting extra rest, using a humidifier to ease congestion, and eating nutrient-rich foods can all help your body fight off the infection. Simple steps like saline rinses or throat lozenges can ease symptoms while your immune system does the work of clearing the virus.
What's included in this test?
This single test checks for four different types of parainfluenza virus at once, which matters because each type can cause slightly different illness patterns, from mild colds to more serious lung infections like croup or bronchiolitis. Testing for all four types in one reaction means you get a faster, more complete answer without needing multiple separate tests.
What happens after I get my results?
Your results will show up in your account as either positive or negative for each parainfluenza virus type, with a plain-language explanation of what that means. If your result is positive, the next steps are usually rest, fluids, and monitoring your symptoms, since these viral infections typically resolve on their own; if you develop trouble breathing, high fever, or symptoms that worsen, seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you get tested again in the future, you'll be able to track your results over time using the trends feature.
When will I get my results?
Results for this PCR test are typically available within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this is a molecular test looking for viral genetic material, it requires careful lab processing, which is why the turnaround is a bit longer than some basic tests. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your account.
Who should consider this test?
Anyone with ongoing respiratory symptoms like cough, congestion, sore throat, or wheezing, especially if symptoms are lasting longer than expected, should consider this test. It's also a smart choice for parents of young children, caregivers of older adults, or people with asthma or weakened immune systems who want to identify the specific virus causing illness. Knowing which virus you have can guide better symptom management and help prevent spreading it to others.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common signs that point to a possible parainfluenza infection include a barking cough, hoarseness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, and wheezing or difficulty breathing. In young children, a parainfluenza infection is a common cause of croup, which has a distinctive barking cough and noisy breathing. If these symptoms are sticking around or getting worse, this test can help pinpoint the cause.
What is parainfluenza virus and why does it matter?
Parainfluenza virus is a common group of respiratory viruses that spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces. It matters because it's a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants, young children, and people with weaker immune systems, sometimes leading to more serious conditions like croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Identifying the virus helps you understand what to expect from your illness and how to manage it safely.
How often should I retest?
You generally don't need to retest for parainfluenza unless new respiratory symptoms develop after you've recovered, since your body typically clears the virus within one to two weeks. If symptoms return or a household member develops similar symptoms, retesting can help confirm whether it's the same virus or something new. There's no routine retesting schedule for this test the way there is for chronic health markers.
What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your result comes back positive for one of the parainfluenza virus types, focus on rest, hydration, and easing your symptoms with over-the-counter remedies like fever reducers or throat lozenges. Keep an eye on warning signs like difficulty breathing, bluish lips, or a fever that won't come down, and seek medical care immediately if these occur. Since the virus spreads easily, it's also a good idea to limit close contact with others, especially young children or immunocompromised individuals, until you're feeling better.
How’s this work?
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
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
[email protected]. 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.
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.
Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.
You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Get lab order in minutes, results come overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Parainfluenza Virus RNA (Types 1-4)Negative
Demo results
NegativePositive
Negative
What this means
A negative result means no parainfluenza virus RNA was found in your sample, suggesting your respiratory symptoms are likely caused by something else. A positive result would mean one or more parainfluenza virus types were detected, confirming it as the cause of your illness.
Recommended actions
Rest and stay hydrated to support recovery
Use a humidifier to ease cough and congestion
Retest if new respiratory symptoms develop later
Seek medical care if breathing becomes difficult
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More advanced tests may take longer due to complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Order your testSave a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations.Takes 2 minutes
Book an appointmentVisit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected.Book or walk-in
Get resultsReceive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days.Get answers, fast
Find a lab near you
Search Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp locations available through Private MD Labs.
90-day money-back guarantee
Lab order in minutes
Save a trip to the doctor
Low prices since 2005
Labs within 2 miles
