If patient is currently an in-patient, detection of mumps by PCR is the preferred and optimal test for diagnosing current mumps infection.
Mumps PCR is not used to determine immune status – please see Mumps IgG for serology.
Please note…
Mumps is a notifiable disease. If acute infection is clinically suspected, clinicians should notify the regional health protection team. Health Protection Teams will arrange for oral fluid test kits to be sent out for confirmation to diagnose current mumps infection.
Container / Tube
Red cap tube – COPAN UTM ‘for the collection and preservation of: virus, chlamydia, mycoplasma and ureaplasma’
OR
Green cap tube – VIROCULT MWE ‘virus specimen collection and transportation’
Sample Type
Oral (buccal) swabs are the preferred sample type. Rub on the inside of cheek for 20 seconds.
Collection Conditions
If delays occur, refrigerate at 2 to 8 degrees C.
Availability
Referred to reference laboratory for testing.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
10 days.
Additional Information
N/A