Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, 4 Multiplex Detection & Differentiation Quantitative Test
Short Name: Parainfluenza 1-4 Multiplex RT-PCR
Also known as: HPIV 1-4 PCR, Parainfluenza virus panel, Respiratory virus panel (Parainfluenza)
Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, 4 Multiplex Detection & Differentiation Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,560. Uses Real Time RT-PCR on Bronchial Swab, Bronchial Lavage, Sputum, Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirates and swabs in viral transport medium, or lung tissues samples. Results in Reports are delivered on the 4th working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone reports within 36 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of this test is to detect and differentiate between Parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in respiratory specimens. This aids in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections, guides appropriate antiviral therapy (if applicable), supports infection control decisions, and helps in epidemiological surveillance. Quantitative results may assist in assessing viral load, which can correlate with disease severity in some cases.
- Test Code
- 6221
- CPT Code
- 87633
- ICD Code
- B97.89
- Price
- ₹11,560
- Sample Type
- Bronchial Swab, Bronchial Lavage, Sputum, Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirates and swabs in viral transport medium, or lung tissues
- Result Time
- Reports are delivered on the 4th working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone reports within 36 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time RT-PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. Please sign the consent document and provide any relevant clinical history to the healthcare provider.
Method: Swab, aspirate, or lavage
Laboratory Analysis
The sample will be collected by a trained professional using appropriate techniques (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab, bronchial lavage). The procedure may cause mild discomfort but is generally safe.
Report Delivery
No specific aftercare is required. You may resume normal activities immediately. The sample will be transported to the laboratory in appropriate viral transport medium.
Timeline: Reports are delivered on the 4th working day after sample collection. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone reports within 36 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of this test is to detect and differentiate between Parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, 3, and 4 in respiratory specimens. This aids in the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections, guides appropriate antiviral therapy (if applicable), supports infection control decisions, and helps in epidemiological surveillance. Quantitative results may assist in assessing viral load, which can correlate with disease severity in some cases.
How to Prepare
- Use sterile swabs and viral transport medium
- Collect nasopharyngeal aspirates or swabs from both nostrils
- For bronchial lavage, follow standard bronchoscopy protocol
- Label the sample with patient identification and collection date/time
- Transport samples to the laboratory at 2-8°C or frozen if delayed
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Parainfluenza viruses are a common cause of respiratory infections, especially in children. Accurate differentiation of the four types helps guide clinical management and infection control."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
- Inappropriate sample type (e.g., serum)
- Insufficient quantity
- Samples not in viral transport medium
- Samples with prolonged transport time without proper storage
Understanding Your Results
Indicates active infection with HPIV-1, commonly associated with croup in children
Indicates active infection with HPIV-2, often causes cold-like symptoms and croup
Indicates active infection with HPIV-3, a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants
Indicates active infection with HPIV-4, usually milder but can cause severe disease in immunocompromised
No Parainfluenza virus detected; consider other respiratory pathogens
Consult your healthcare provider if you or your child experience difficulty breathing, high fever, persistent cough, or worsening symptoms. Early diagnosis and management are crucial, especially for infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Limitations
- ⚠This test detects only Parainfluenza viruses 1-4; other respiratory pathogens are not covered
- ⚠Quantitative results are for research use; clinical correlation is required
- ⚠Negative results do not rule out other viral or bacterial infections
- ⚠Test performance depends on sample quality and timing of collection
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bleeding or infection at the collection site
- ●Slight discomfort during swab collection
- ●Rare risk of bronchospasm during bronchial lavage
Interfering Factors
- ●Improper sample collection or storage may lead to false negatives
- ●Inhibitors in the sample (e.g., mucus, blood) can interfere with PCR
- ●Cross-contamination during collection or processing
- ●Low viral load may be below the limit of detection
- ●Recent antiviral therapy may reduce viral load
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, 4 Multiplex Detection & Differentiation Quantitative Test | Influenza A/B PCR | RSV PCR | COVID-19 RT-PCR | Respiratory Pathogen Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, 4 Multiplex Detection & Differentiation Quantitative Test | Detects influenza viruses, not parainfluenza. Useful for seasonal flu diagnosis. | Detects respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of bronchiolitis in infants. | Detects SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Different clinical implications. | Comprehensive panel covering multiple viruses and bacteria, including parainfluenza. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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