This test detects Measles (Rubeola) Virus RNA produced during natural infection and may be useful in diagnosing acute measles infection. For detection of IgM antibodies to measles in acute infection refer to "Measles Antibody IgM" in this Test Index
NOTE: Suspected measles cases must be reported immediately to the Local Health Department of the patient's residence.
Collection Instructions
Collect NP specimen with a flocked swab and place in viral transport media (VTM) as soon as possible after rash onset. Although less sensitive, 10 - 50 mL voided urine collected in a sterile cup may be submitted as soon as possible after rash onset. Ideally, all specimens should be collected within 3 days of rash onset, however, specimens can be obtained up to 7 days, but not more than 10 days, after rash onset. (Throat or oropharyngeal swab specimens will be sent to reference lab with a longer time to results).
Collect
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is the preferred specimen for detection of measles virus by PCR. Although voided urine is also acceptable, it is less sensitive than an NP swab.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Transport specimen to laboratory at ambient temperature
Unacceptable Conditions
Respiratory specimens collected with cotton alginate swabs or swabs on wooden shafts. Specimens received on dry swabs. Swabs not collected and placed in UTM. Unlabeled or expired UTM. Media other than BD UTM. Specimens received outside of stability. Specimens that leaked in transit. Unlabeled specimens. Mislabeled specimens or specimens having less than 2 patient identifiers. Specimens received in an inappropriate preservative or collection container.
Remarks
Notify Local Health Department before ordering
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Specimens should arrive at laboratory at ambient temperature within 24 hours of collection
This test detects Measles (Rubeola) Virus RNA produced during natural infection and may be useful in diagnosing acute measles infection. For detection of IgM antibodies to measles in acute infection refer to "Measles Antibody IgM" in this Test Index
NOTE: Suspected measles cases must be reported immediately to the Local Health Department of the patient's residence.
Collection Instructions
Collect NP specimen with a flocked swab and place in viral transport media (VTM) as soon as possible after rash onset. Although less sensitive, 10 - 50 mL voided urine collected in a sterile cup may be submitted as soon as possible after rash onset. Ideally, all specimens should be collected within 3 days of rash onset, however, specimens can be obtained up to 7 days, but not more than 10 days, after rash onset. (Throat or oropharyngeal swab specimens will be sent to reference lab with a longer time to results).
Collect
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab is the preferred specimen for detection of measles virus by PCR. Although voided urine is also acceptable, it is less sensitive than an NP swab.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Transport specimen to laboratory at ambient temperature
Unacceptable Conditions
Respiratory specimens collected with cotton alginate swabs or swabs on wooden shafts. Specimens received on dry swabs. Swabs not collected and placed in UTM. Unlabeled or expired UTM. Media other than BD UTM. Specimens received outside of stability. Specimens that leaked in transit. Unlabeled specimens. Mislabeled specimens or specimens having less than 2 patient identifiers. Specimens received in an inappropriate preservative or collection container.
Remarks
Notify Local Health Department before ordering
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Specimens should arrive at laboratory at ambient temperature within 24 hours of collection
