Test Details
Methodology
Polymerase chain reaction
Result Turnaround Time
3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
The Measles (Rubeola) PCR test is used as the preferred method for detecting measles in patients with compatible symptoms (fever, malaise, cough, coryza and/or conjunctivitis).
Limitations
A negative test does not rule out infection with measles virus. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical finding and serological testing.
Specimens should be collected as soon as possible after the development of rash to maximize the sensitivity of measles RNA detection.
Improperly collected samples may result in false negative results.
PCR assays may be impacted by viral variants and may result in reduced sensitivity or false negative results.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Throat or NP swab
Volume
One swab
Minimum Volume
One swab
Container
Viral Transport Media (VTM) or Universal Transport Media (UTM)
Collection Instructions
Throat specimen (preferred): Collect the specimen by swabbing the posterior pharynx.
Nasopharyngeal swab: Collect the NP swab using standard techniques.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Refrigerated | 7 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated or frozen
Causes for Rejection
Improperly submitted specimens; specimen not received in an approved VTM/UTM; swabs received in Liquid Amies (E-Swabs) or other bacterial swabs; specimens received without a swab; grossly leaking specimens; specimens received outside the stated stability
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140470 | Measles (Rubeola), PCR, Swab | 91077-8 | 140471 | Measles RNA, Swab | 91077-8 | |
| Order Code | 140470 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Measles (Rubeola), PCR, Swab | |||||
| Order Loinc | 91077-8 | |||||
| Result Code | 140471 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Measles RNA, Swab | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 91077-8 |