MEASLES PCR

Laboratory

Molecular Detection and Characterization (MDC)

Description

Qualitative detection of Measles virus nucleic acid by Real-Time RT-PCR

Order Approval Required

Measles virus testing at DCLS requires prior approval from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Division of Immunization.

Specimen Type

• Primary

  • Nasopharyngeal swab (Rayon/Dacron)

• Secondary

  • Oropharyngeal swab (Rayon/Dacron)

  • Urine

    • Secondary specimen types are recommended for submission in addition to the primary specimen type when available.

• Swabs must be submitted in viral transport media (VTM) or universal transport media (UTM)

Collection Container

• Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs: Sterile tube (optimally 15mL conical) containing 2-3 mL VTM or UTM
• Urine: Sterile specimen cup

Optimal Volume

3 mL VTM or UTM, or 3 mL urine

Collection and Submission Guidelines

• Collect the specimens as close to rash onset as possible, preferably within the first 3 days of illness but no later than 10 days after rash onset.
• Specimens must be received within 72 hours of collection.
• Instructions: Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Measles, Mumps, Varicella Zoster Virus) Collection Instructions
• DCLS Test Request Form

Submitters can request collection kits at DCLS_SSSKits@dgs.virginia.gov, if a DCLS test kit is available.

Storage Instructions

Store specimens at 2-8°C.

Transportation Instructions

Transport specimens on frozen cold packs at 2-8°C.

Test Methodology

Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR)

Reference Values

Causes For Rejection:

• Incorrect specimen type
• Absence of or inconsistent specimen labeling and identification
• Specimen leaked in transit
• Specimen submission without prior approval from the Virginia Department of Health
• Specimen submission form not properly filled out
• Specimen received in expired transport medium
• Specimen received at the laboratory more than 72 hours after collection
• Specimen with insufficient volume for testing
• Specimen received out of the appropriate temperature range