Ordering Guidance

Polymerase chain reaction testing (this test) is recommended as the first-line test if a patient has symptoms of mumps (ie, fever, swollen salivary/parotid glands).

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

Shipping Instructions

Specimens should be transported as soon as possible.

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Buccal 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 around buccal cavity (the space near the upper rear molars between the cheek and the teeth) to maximize recovery of cells.

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