Test guide
Parainfluenza Tests
A parainfluenza test checks a fluid sample from your nose or lungs for the four types of parainfluenza viruses (also called human parainfluenza viruses, or HPIVs). These viruses are a common cause of respiratory (breathing) illnesses, especially in spring, summer, and fall.
What it is for
Parainfluenza tests are used to see if one of the four parainfluenza viruses is causing an illness that affects your nose, throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes (the airways that carry air to your lungs). These viruses commonly cause respiratory illnesses such as croup in babies and younger children, but anyone can get sick from them. If you're healthy and have a parainfluenza illness, you'll probably have mild symptoms like those of a common cold , such as a runny nose or cough . You'll also usually get better on your own. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- human parainfluenza virus test
- HPIV test
- HPIV-1 test
- HPIV-2 test, HPIV-3 test
- paraflu 1-4 PCR
- parainfluenza 1-4 by PCR
- parainfluenza PCR panel
- PIV
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