Measles PCR
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 50 Orms St, Providence RI 02904. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538
Measles
Measles (Measles)
This test is performed using a laboratory developed TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay for the detection of the nucleoprotein gene present in the respective Measles and Mumps virus genomes. The performance characteristics of this assay were validated by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories. It has not been approved nor cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results are for epidemiological and investigational purposes only and may not be used as a substitute for diagnostic procedures nor to guide patient management decisions.
PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting specimens.
Preferred specimen: Nasopharyngeal
Use a PCR grade (synthetic) tipped nasopharyngeal swab to collect specimen(s) and immediately place the swab(s) into 1-3 mL viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM). Tighten cap securely.
Store specimens refrigerated at 2-8°C prior to transport.
If transport is delayed beyond 72 hours, specimens must be frozen at -20°C or lower.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Measles PCR
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended however a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C.
Frozen: If specimen previously frozen, it must be transported on frozen gel packs in insulated shipper.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen
- Expired / Incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- Urine cup received
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Test not evaluated in adolescents <14
- Specimen too old
Providers must report patient information on Measles ((Morbillivirus) PCR) immediately using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
1 business day