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Test Code MEASR Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Throat


Ordering Guidance


Polymerase chain reaction testing (this test) is recommended as the first-line test if a patient has symptoms of measles (ie, cough, fever, conjunctivitis, rash).

 

If serology has been performed and IgM-class antibodies against measles are detected (ROGM / Measles (Rubeola) Virus Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum), this test should be ordered to confirm measles infection.



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. Collect specimen by swabbing back and forth over mucosal surface to maximize recovery of cells.

2. Swab must be placed into viral transport media (eg, M4-RT, M4, M5, Bartels FlexTrans Transport Media, Jiangsu Transport Media)


Useful For

Identifying measles virus infection using throat swab specimens

Reporting Name

Measles Virus PCR, Throat

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
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 days

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Performing 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