Brief Description

Measles Culture

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Viral Culture

Specimen Collection

Virus Isolation Kit

Storage/Transport

Refrigerated/freeze packs.  Note that measles virus is sensitive to heat and dessication.  It is important to transport samples with cold packs as soon as possible following sample collection.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Throat swab
NP swab
Nasal aspirates
10-50 mL of urine . 

Test Request Form(s)

Possible Results

Measles Isolated
No virus Isolated
Other virus isolated

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Specimen received warm
  • Specimen not in viral transport medium
  • Incorrect specimen type
  • No name on specimen
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

Specimen received warm
Specimen not received within eight days of collection

Result Reported

Subject to testing involved. Specimens may be referred to the CDC laboratory for additional characterization. 

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

CDC requests viral isolates or clinical specimens for the genetic characterization of the measles virus. Specimens should be shipped to the MSPHL and will be forwarded to the CDC laboratory. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/measles/lab-tools/rt-pcr.html.