MEASLES/MUMPS IGG & IGM

Healthcare providers should contact their local health department to report suspected measles cases. Please refer to the link for additional guidance: (https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/hcp/)

Laboratory

Immunology/Virology

Description

Qualitative determination of IgM and IgG antibodies to Measles (Rubeola) and Mumps virus in human serum.

Test Methodology

• Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Specimen Types

• Whole blood
• Serum

Sample Volume / Collection Container

• 5 mL of whole blood collected in a red-top tube or serum separator tube (SST).
• 2 mL of serum collected in a sterile container.

Collection and Storage Guidelines

• Acute samples should be collected as soon as possible after onset of symptoms. The second sample (convalescent sample) should be collected 14 to 21 days after the acute sample.
• Samples should be stored at 2 to 8°C until shipment and must be received within 2 days (48 hours) from collection (or within 7 days if testing for Measles IgM or Mumps IgM only). If a delay is anticipated, serum must be separated from the clot and stored at -20°C or lower.

DCLS approved submitters can request collection kits at DCLS_SSSKits@dgs.virginia.gov.

Transportation Instructions

• If samples are submitted refrigerated, ship them on frozen cold packs to maintain a temperature of 2 to 8°C.
• If serum samples are submitted frozen, ship them on dry ice to maintain a temperature of -20°C or colder.

Acceptable Arrival Temperature

• 2 to 8°C if the sample is sent refrigerated.
• -20°C or colder if the serum sample is sent frozen.

Causes for Rejection

• The details on the specimen do not precisely correspond with the patient’s records.
• Samples that are grossly hemolyzed, icteric, lipemic, broken or leaking in transit.
• Quantity of serum sample is less than 500 µL.
• Specimen contains particulate matter or exhibits obvious microbial contamination.
• Specimen received outside of the acceptable arrival temperature range.
• More than 2 days (or 7 days for Measles IgM or Mumps IgM testing) have passed since the specimen was collected, and the serum was not kept frozen during this period.