Sign in →

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

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

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

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of measles virus RNA in the specimen.

Clinical Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles (Rubeola): For Healthcare Providers. CDC. Updated November 5, 2020. Accessed September 7, 2022. Available at: www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp

2. Moss WJ. Measles. Lancet. 2017 Dec;390(10111):2490-2502

3. Porter A, Goldfarb J. Measles: a dangerous vaccine-preventable disease returns. Cleve Clin J Med. 2019 Jun;86(6):393-398

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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