Brief Description

Parainfluenza Culture

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Viral Culture

Specimen Collection

Virus Isolation Kit

Storage/Transport

Refrigerated/freeze packs

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Throat swab
Nasopharyngeal swab
Nasal swab

Test Request Form(s)

Possible Results

Parainfluenza 1,2,3 Isolated
Other virus isolated
No Virus Isolated

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Specimen received warm
  • Specimen not in viral transport medium
  • Incorrect specimen type
  • No name on specimen
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Specimen not received within eight days of collection
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

Subject to testing involved.

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

Parainfluenza infections are common in infants and young children with bronchitis.  HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 are commonly associated with croup, while HPIV-3 is ore often associated with bronchitis.