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Rubella (German Measles) 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.

Lab

Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538

Analyte Name

Rubella

Disease

Rubella

Test Description

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) for the detection of Rubella RNA

Special Instructions

PREAUTHORIZATION by the RIDOH Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology (401) 222-2577 is required prior to transporting specimens.

Specimens are sent to the Massachusetts State Health Laboratory for testing.

Specimen

Specimen: Nasopharyngeal, throat (must use a nasopharyngeal swab to collect specimen) 

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 refrigerated at 2-8°C. If transport is delayed beyond 24 hours, specimens must be frozen at -20°C or -70°C. 

 

Specimen Identification

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.

Form Required

Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf

Test Request

CDC Sendout

Write "Rubella PCR" under Comments/Other Test Requests.

Transport

Transport within 24 hours of 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

Specimen Rejection Criteria

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
Reporting Requirement

Providers must report patient information on Rubella (PCR) within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.

Turnaround Time

Sent out within 1 business day