Measles by PCR

Rubeola by PCR

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231907, Beaker: MEASLES PCR, MDHHS

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: A throat, nasopharyngeal (NP), or nasal specimen with a flocked swab, placed in viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM). Collect the sample as soon as possible after the rash appears (days 1-3 of the rash). Follow the infection control measures listed below.

• Secure the cap with tape.
• Send specimen to the Laboratory immediately after collection, refrigerated.
• Please see instructions for Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab collection.
• Test Request Forms (MDHHS and CDC) can be completed at Corewell Health Laboratory once the specimen arrives at the laboratory. Include the name and phone number of the person from the local health department who approved testing on the Corewell Health Laboratory requisition.

Infection Control Measures

• If possible, place the patient in a private room with a mask on. Keep away from other patients in the waiting area.
• The person collecting the specimen should wear an N95 mask (ideally) or surgical mask while obtaining the specimen.
• Remove the mask from the patient only long enough to obtain a throat, nasopharyngeal.
• After the patient has left the room, wipe all surfaces with an approved disinfectant.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Arrange for transport to the Laboratory immediately. Maintain specimens refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Throat or NP swab in viral transport medium (UVT, UTM), refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens obtained without approval from the local health department, unless there is a potential outbreak situation.
• Specimens lacking two unique patient identifiers (i.e., full name and date of birth, patient number or specimen number) will not be tested. 
• Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips and wooden shafts will not be tested.
• The specimen container is received leaking or has been contaminated by another leaking specimen in the same bag.
• The specimen is not properly labeled, or the test requisition is not completed.
• The specimen label does not match the test requisition.
• The collection supplies were expired on date of collection.
• Specimens received outside of appropriate transport temperature may not be tested.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimen refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Laboratory, Lansing, MI. 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 6 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F): Indefinitely

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

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

Laboratory

Testing will be performed at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Laboratory, Lansing, MI. 

Performed

Testing is coordinated by the County and the MDHHS Vaccine Preventable Diseases Coordinator once approval is obtained.

Reference Range

No virus detected.

Detection of Measles RNA is indicative of infection with Measles virus. A sample from which Measles RNA is not detected does not preclude diagnosis of Measles viral infection. The virus may be present at levels below the limits of detection for this assay or inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be present.

Test Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Clinical Utility

The United States experienced a multi-state measles outbreak in 2019 where 1,282 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 31 states. Measles virus can often be isolated from respiratory specimens during the later part of the prodromal period and during the early stages of rash development. This test may be useful if a patient is suspected to have Rubeola (measles) and needs testing for confirmation. 

Contacts

Last Updated

3/20/2026