Mumps PCR
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 150 Richmond Street, Suite 100, Providence, RI 02903. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learn how and where to drop off your lab samples at our Laboratory Central Services webpage.
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538
Mumps
Mumps
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 RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting specimens.
Preferred specimen: Buccal swab
Obtain by massaging the parotid glad area for 30 seconds prior to swabbing area around Stenson's duct (http://www.cdc.gov/mumps/lab/detection-mumps.html)
Use a PCR grade (synthetic) tipped swab to collect specimen and immediately place the swab into 2 mL viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM).
Ream swab around rim of tube, break swab off into tube and tighten cap securely.
Store refrigerated at 2-8°C. If transport is delayed beyond 24 hours, specimens must be frozen at -20°C or -70°C.
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
Mumps PCR
Transport within 24 hours after collection.
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 24 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 transported and packaged 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 Mumps (PCR) within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
1 business day