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Measles PCR

Important Note

Testing must be approved by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and approval sent to Laboratory before PCR samples will be sent out for testing.

  • This is a Miscellaneous Test order, EPIC code: LAB000.
    • Please enter "Measles Virus PCR" in the required Test Name"
  • Samples will only be sent out Monday - Friday, excluding Holidays. 
  • Holiday, weekend, and off hour collections will be delayed.

Testing sent to Mayo does not require authorization. 

IgG immunity testing is performed in system and does not require authorization. Please see BJH Test Catalog: Rubeola (Measles), IgG, Serum

Infectious

Additional Codes

Related tests that may be ordered are below with links to their Test Catalog entries:

Measles IgM - Performed at Mayo

Measles IgG - Performed at Barnes-Jewish Hospital 

Performing Lab(s)

Illinois State Public Health Laboratory (primary)

Mayo Clinic Laboratories (backup)

Methodology and Additional Testing Information

Methodology:

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Additional Testing Information:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO BJH LAB CATALOG ENTRY

Specimen Requirements

Obtain a throat or nasopharyngeal swab in the acute phase of illness, preferably within three (3) days of onset of symptoms. Samples collected more than five (5) days after rash onset are less likely to successfully detect the virus. 

Specimen Collection Device:

  • Standard NP (Universal Viral Transport Media) 
  • Throat Swab (ESwab)

Specimen Storage: Refrigerate 2-8C

Specimen Stability: 8 days at 2-8C

Specimen Retention: 14 days

Rejection Criteria: 

  • Mislabeled specimens
  • Cotton-tipped swabs
  • Wooden-shafted swabs
  • Calcium Alginate swabs
  • Specimens other than acceptable collection devices.

Setup Schedule:

  • IL State: Monday – Friday and Sunday, excluding State and Federal Holidays
  • Mayo: Monday - Friday

Additional Notes:

Infection Prevention (IP) or the ordering provider will notify the local health department or IDPH (217-557-2556) regarding suspected measles cases and obtain an authorization number they will provide to the lab. If they are unable to reach local health department after-hours, IEMA-OHS can be reached at 217-782-7860.

Lab will complete the IDPH Communicable Disease Control Form and include the authorization number provided by IP. 

For more information on the collection and shipment of specimens for measles testing go to:  https://dph.illinois.gov/measles

 

Note for Mayo Clinic testing: 

  • Urine specimens are acceptable.
  • Throat and NP swabs are not acceptable.

Reference Values

Negative

CPT Code

87798

Transport Instructions

Commercial carrier by ground/air transport:

  • Place specimen(s) in a biohazard bag and seal securely.
  • Place the test requisition(s) in the outside pocket of the biohzard bag. 
  • Place the sealed bag and completed test requisition(s) inside the outer shipping container.
  • Place cold packs, which have been frozen at least 24 hours, in the leak-proof outer container sandwiching the specimen(s).
  • Label the outer shipping container with the IDPH shipping label, provided by IDPH containing the testing lab's address.
    • Alternatively, obtain a shipping label from the hospital's dock.
  • Complete the return address section to include the name of the person shipping the package, business name & address, and a business phone number. 
  • Apply the UN3373 Biological Substance Category B marking to the outside of the outer shipping container. 
  • Ship specimens by FedEx overnight delivery to:

IDPH Testing Laboratory Address

Illinois Department of Public Health
Devision of Laboratories
ATTN: Molecular Lab
825 N. Rutledge St.
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217-782-6562
  • Specimen(s) must be received at the laboratory no later than eight (8) days from the date of collection.
  • Do not ship specimen(s) over weekends or holidays as they will not be received until next business day, and cold-packs will not maintain the required 2-8C specimen temperature.