| Test: | Measles Virus Detection by PCR |
| Synonym: | Measles Virus Detection and Genotyping, Rubeola, Measles molecular |
| Method: | Reverse Transcriptase (RT) - RNA Amplification, Viral culture, Genotyping by Nucleic acid sequencing, Real time RT-PCR, Template production by RT-PCR |
| Availability: | Pre-Approval Needed from Local or State Health Department. Approval must be sent to nphl@unmc.edu or can notify NPHL by phone at (402) 559-9444. NPHL Special Microbiology Requisition and Vaccine Preventable Disease forms required. Include vaccination history, age, date of onset, and date of sample collection. PCR available 2-7 business days, Genotyping 10 business days. |
| Specimen: | In order of preference: throat, urine, and nasal pharynx. Ideally, all 3 specimens should be collected. |
| Collection Device: | Throat/Nasopharynx: viral swab transport system Urine: sterile screw cap container or polystyrene capped tube Specimen Labeling - Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms |
| Volume: | Urine: >1mL (suggested 10-40 mL) |
| Storage/Transport: | Storage prior to shipment: Refrigerate at 2-8 °C, do not freeze. Shipping instructions, including specimen handling requirements during transport: Sender should contact the NPHL by email or phone before shipping. Ship specimen Monday -Thursday overnight to avoid weekend deliveries. Refrigerated specimen should be shipped on cold packs. Package and ship as Category B, Biological Substance, UN3373. See instructions and shipping address on NPHL website. |
| Unacceptable: | Dry swab, wood-shafted swab, cotton or calcium alginate swab. Specimen not transported in viral transport media or sterile saline. Frozen specimen. Leaking container. |
| Specimen Stability: | Specimen stable for 5 to 7 days refrigerated. |
| Reference Interval: | PCR negative for measles virus; not detected. |
| Reportable Disease: | A positive result is reportable. |
| Comments: | A confirmed case is present if the specimen is PCR positive for measles virus AND the patient has symptoms consistent with measles. PCR has optimum sensitivity if specimens are collected 4 days after rash onset; however it is acceptable to collect specimens for PCR up to 9 days post rash onset. PCR results are not standardized across clinical laboratories and interpretation of PCR results must be done in conjunction with an evaluation of patient signs and symptoms and available epidemiological information. Also consider serological testing as an alternative method for diagnosis (serum required). Test is performed at CDC Reference Laboratory. PCR positive specimens undergo genotyping by nucleic acid sequencing. |
| Revised: | 3/7/2017 |