What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, congestion, or fever and want to know if a virus is the cause. It helps identify which specific respiratory virus is making you sick, so you can avoid unnecessary antibiotics and get guidance on the right kind of care. It's especially useful if symptoms are severe, lingering, or you need answers quickly.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your account with each finding explained in plain language, including whether a virus was detected and which one. If a virus is found, next steps typically include rest, fluids, and symptom management, and seeking urgent care if you develop trouble breathing or a high, persistent fever. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you get tested again in the future, you can track results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with sudden respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches who wants a fast, clear answer about the cause should consider this test. It's especially helpful for people around young children, older adults, or anyone with a weaker immune system, since knowing the exact virus can guide safer choices for the whole household. It's also useful if you've been sick for more than a few days and want to rule out specific viral causes.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue that come on suddenly. If these symptoms are more intense than a typical cold, last longer than a week, or are spreading quickly through your household or workplace, this test can help pinpoint the exact virus. Difficulty breathing or a high fever that won't go down are signs to seek care right away.

How can I naturally support recovery from a respiratory virus?

Rest and staying well-hydrated are two of the most effective things you can do while your body fights off a virus. Warm liquids, humidified air, and gentle steam can help ease throat and sinus irritation, while good sleep supports your immune system's ability to recover. Eating light, nutrient-rich foods and avoiding smoking or secondhand smoke also helps your airways heal faster.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days, since the test involves growing and identifying the virus in a lab culture, which takes a bit longer than instant tests. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account so you don't have to keep checking. If your symptoms are severe in the meantime, don't wait for results to seek care.

What is a respiratory virus and why does it matter?

A respiratory virus is a germ that infects your nose, throat, or lungs, causing symptoms like cough, congestion, and fever. Knowing which virus you have matters because different viruses can call for different care approaches, and it helps you avoid taking antibiotics that won't work against a virus. It also helps you understand how contagious you might be and for how long.

What causes a positive result on this test?

A positive result means the lab detected and grew a specific virus from your sample, confirming it's the cause of your symptoms. This usually happens through close contact with an infected person, since respiratory viruses spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Weather changes, crowded indoor spaces, and weakened immunity can also increase your chances of catching one.

How often should I retest?

You typically don't need to retest for the same illness once you've confirmed the virus and are recovering as expected. However, if you develop new or worsening respiratory symptoms in the future, or if your symptoms don't improve within a week or two, testing again can help identify a new or different virus.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If a virus is detected, focus on rest, hydration, and monitoring your symptoms closely, following any guidance provided with your report. Watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or a fever that won't break, and seek emergency care right away if these occur. Keeping track of your symptoms and results over time can help you notice patterns if you get sick often.

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.

Viral Respiratory Culture Test - Identify Cold & Flu Virus

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]

Viral Respiratory Culture Test for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Viral Respiratory, Rapid Culture with Reflex

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

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

Viral Respiratory Culture Test for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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