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HelpTest Code MEASR Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Throat
Ordering Guidance
This polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the test of choice for individuals with suspected measles infection and symptoms such as rash, cough, fever, and conjunctivitis at 0 to 5 days of rash onset.
If measles virus IgM antibody testing is positive (ROGM / Measles [Rubeola] Virus Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum), this PCR test should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of measles infection.
Additional Testing Requirements
This test should be ordered together with MEASU / Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Random, Urine in patients at 6 to 14 days of rash onset to increase the sensitivity of detecting the measles virus.
Shipping Instructions
Specimens should be transported as soon as possible.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Throat Swab
Supplies: Culturette (BBL Culture Swab) (T092)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with transport media
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions:
1. Apply swab tip back and forth firmly over mucosal surface of pharynx (throat) to maximize recovery of cells.
2. Place swab in viral transport media (eg, Liquid Stuart, M4-RT, M4, M5, Bartels FlexTrans Transport Media) and refrigerate for transport to the testing laboratory.
Useful For
Identifying measles virus infection using throat swab specimens
Reporting Name
Measles Virus PCR, ThroatSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| E-swab, calcium alginate-tipped swab, wood swab, dry swab, or transport swab containing gel or charcoal additive | Reject |
Reference Values
Negative
Supportive Data
The following validation data support the use of this assay for clinical testing.
Accuracy:
Accuracy studies were performed by testing negative and positive (near the limit of detection) urine and upper respiratory swab samples. Urine yielded 88% positive agreement and 100% negative agreement with expected results. Upper respiratory swabs yielded 100% positive and 100% negative agreement with expected results.
Analytical Sensitivity/Limit of Detection:
The lower limit of detection of this assay is 2 genome copies/mcL for urine and 1 copy/mcL for throat swabs.
Precision:
Inter-assay and intra-assay precisions were 100%.
Specificity:
No sequences were identified that would result in cross-reactivity with the assay by in silico analysis. No cross-reactivity was detected in experiments testing a panel of nucleic acid extracts from greater than 50 bacterial, fungal, and viral organisms causing similar disease or commonly found in urine or throat swabs.
Reportable Range:
This is a qualitative assay, and the results are reported as either "negative" or "positive" for the measles virus target.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 weekPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
87798
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MEASR | Measles Virus PCR, Throat | 91077-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 617821 | Measles Virus PCR, Throat | 91077-8 |