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)