Measles Antibody (IgM)

Measles IgM, 7-day Measles IgM, Red Measles IgM, Rubeola Antibody, IgM, Rubeola (Measles) IgM Antibody

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232087, Beaker: Measles AB, Quest: 34256

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.

Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Severely lipemic specimens.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Tuesday – Saturday.
Results available in 4 days.

Reference Range

Titer	Interpretation
<1:20	Antibody not detected
≥1:20	Antibody detected

Test Methodology

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Interpretation

• The traditional serologic diagnosis of measles requires a significant rise in antibody titer between acute and convalescent sera. However, detection of IgM antibody in a single specimen may indicate acute disease. 
• Correct interpretation of serologic data depends upon the proper timing of specimen collection in relation to rash onset. This timing is particularly important for interpreting negative IgM results, since IgM antibody peaks approximately 10 days after rash onset and is usually undetectable 30 days after rash onset.

Clinical Utility

Measles, also known as Rubeola, causes fever, irritability, respiratory illness, and the characteristic skin rash. Immunization has greatly diminished the incidence of measles. The presence of IgG is consistent with immunity or prior exposure. IgM is consistent with current or recent infection. IgM tests can generate false positive results and low levels of IgM can persist for longer than 12 months.

CPT Codes

86765
LOINC:  35276-5

Contacts

Last Updated

12/17/2025