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Department of Health Services

Public Health Regional Laboratory

Measles detection, RT-PCR

The Measles (Rubeola) RT-PCR test is used as the preferred method for detecting measles in patients with compatible symptoms.

Portal Ordering Code

MEV PCR

CPT Code(s)

87798

Fee Schedule

Storage and Transport Criteria
Specimen Storage Specimen Transport
Acceptable Specimens
Minimum Volume
Frozen Range
-70°C - 0°C
Refrigerated Range
0.1°C - 8°C
Room Temperature Range
8.1°C - 30°C
Stability at
4°C - 25°C
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM or throat swab in VTM 2-3 mLs VTM Acceptable - freeze at ≤ -20°C Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 72 hours Reject 8 hours
Urine (unprocessed) 10 - 50 mLs Reject Acceptable at 2°C – 8°C up to 72 hours Reject 8 hours
Includes

Positive results will be notified by phone call

Methodology

RT-PCR

Assay Category

LDT (Laboratory Developed Test)

Reference Range

See laboratory report

Alternative Names
  • Measles Molecular
  • Measles Morbillivirus
  • Measles PCR
  • Measles RNA
  • Measles NAAT
  • Rubeola
Preferred Specimen(s)
  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM
  • Throat swab in VTM
  • Urine (unprocessed)
Alternative Specimen(s)

N/A

Minimum Volume
  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM or Throat swab in VTM - 2-3 mLs VTM
  • Urine (unprocessed) - 10-50 mLs
Special Instructions

Please Contact Sonoma County  Disease Control at (707) 565-4567 for suspect cases.

Reject Criteria
  • Inadequately labeled specimens
  • Leaking specimens
  • QNS (quantities not sufficient)
  • Cotton or calcium alginate swabs
  • Swabs in Amies medium
  • Swabs with wooden shafts
  • Specimens not meeting the Storage & Transport criteria upon receipt at laboratory
Setup Schedule

Testing is performed on an as-needed basis.

Turn around time (TAT)
  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM or Throat swab in VTM
    • 1 business days from arrival at the lab
  • Urine (unprocessed)
    • 2 business days from arrival at the lab