What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a cough, fever, sore throat, congestion, or other symptoms of a respiratory infection and want to know exactly what's causing it. Since colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can look similar, this test helps identify the specific virus or bacteria behind your symptoms so you can take the right next steps. It's especially useful if symptoms are severe, lingering, or you need to know if you're contagious to others.

What's included in this test?

This panel checks for a wide range of common viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections, including several strains of flu, coronaviruses, RSV, and other bugs that trigger coughs and congestion. Testing for many pathogens at once matters because symptoms alone often can't tell you which germ is making you sick, and different infections may call for different care. Knowing the exact cause also helps you understand how long you might be contagious and whether people around you need to take precautions.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, showing whether each of the tested viruses or bacteria was detected, along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If a pathogen is found, the report will guide you on simple next steps like rest, fluids, and isolation, and will flag when symptoms are severe enough that you should seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report directly from your account, and if you test again in the future, the trends feature lets you keep a record of your respiratory illness history over time.

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

Rest as much as possible so your body's energy goes toward fighting the infection, and stay well hydrated with water, broth, or warm tea to help loosen congestion. Using a humidifier or steam from a hot shower can ease coughing and sinus pressure, and saltwater gargles can soothe a sore throat. Eating nutrient-rich foods and getting good sleep also support your immune system while you recover.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this test uses PCR technology to detect genetic material from the pathogens, it needs lab analysis time rather than being a rapid point-of-care test. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with active respiratory symptoms who wants a clear answer instead of guessing between a cold, flu, or something more serious like COVID-19 or RSV. It's especially useful for people who are around vulnerable individuals, such as older adults, infants, or those with weakened immune systems, since knowing the exact pathogen helps prevent spreading it. It's also helpful if your symptoms aren't improving and you want more information about what you're dealing with.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include cough, fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms come on suddenly, are more intense than a typical mild cold, or aren't improving after several days, it's a good time to consider testing. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a high fever that won't come down are signs you should seek medical care right away rather than waiting on test results.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means genetic material from that specific virus or bacteria was found in your sample, confirming it as the likely cause of your symptoms. This helps explain why you feel sick and can guide simple decisions like how long to isolate, whether close contacts should watch for symptoms, and what kind of supportive care makes sense. Some pathogens, like certain flu strains or bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, may need different care than a common cold virus, so knowing the specific cause is helpful.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means none of the tested pathogens were detected in your sample at the time of testing. This can happen if your infection is caused by a germ not included in the panel, if the sample was taken too early or late in the illness, or if your symptoms have a non-infectious cause. If you're still feeling unwell, it's worth monitoring your symptoms and considering retesting or seeking care if things worsen.

How often should I retest?

You generally don't need to retest unless new symptoms develop or you were exposed to someone with a confirmed respiratory infection after your first test. If your symptoms change significantly or don't improve within the expected recovery window for a cold or flu (usually 7-10 days), retesting can help rule out a different or new infection. People with ongoing exposure risk, like those working in healthcare or with vulnerable family members, may want to test again whenever new symptoms appear.

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.

Respiratory Pathogen PCR Panel - Flu, COVID & RSV Test

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

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