Measles (Rubeola) IgM & Rubella IgM

Brief Description

IgM Serology for Measles (Rubeola)

IgM Serology for Rubella

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA)

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Specimen Collection

Virus Serology Kit

False-negative measles IgM may occur if specimens are collected within 72 hours of onset.

A second specimen collected 72 hours after rash onset should be tested if false-negative measles IgM results are suspected.
 

Storage/Transport

Store samples at 2-8°C after collection. Ship in provided collection kit with freeze pillow(s) provided. Specimens must be received within 48 hours of collection.

If samples will not be received within 2 days of collection, they should be aliquoted and stored deep-frozen (-20°C or below) and shipped on dry ice.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Serum

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form

Possible Results

Positive
Negative 
Equivocal 
Unsatisfactory

Unacceptable Conditions

Hemolyzed

Icteric

Lipemic 
Unidentified specimen
No name on specimen

Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

Hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimens are not acceptable.

Patients that have received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine may demonstrate an IgM response that is missing, delayed, or transient.

Result Reported

Results provided day of receipt

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

Measles IgM and Rubella IgM are performed only as part of a disease outbreak investigation.  Routine testing or screening is not provided.

Any suspect measles or rubella infections should be reported to your local public health agency.