Detection of Measles by PCR. Test should be considered in patients with maculopaular rash who have been in contact with virus or no history of immunisation. Immunocompromised patients may not develop rash but present with pneumonitis, thus testing of a lower respiratory tract sample is advised. Test is not used for immune status -please see serology.
Tube
Oral (buccal) swabs Throat swab sample NPA or BAL
ID
3651
Availability
Mon-Sat.Samples for same day testing must arrive before 9.30am
Additional Information
Although rare, neonatal measles has been associated with a risk of sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) – for these cases send paired CSF and serum for intrathecal antibody testing.
Turn around
3 days
Send to
LGI Microbiology Department
Collection Con
If delays occur refrigerate at 2 to 8 degrees C.
IP Routine TAT
3 days
GP Routine TAT
3 days