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Measles (Rubeola) Virus, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Nasopharyngeal/Throat
Test Code39306
CPT Codes
87798
Preferred Specimen
1 nasopharyngeal (NP) or throat swab in liquid Amies elution swab (ESwab), VCM, M4, or equivalent (UTM)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Transport container without a swab • Dry swab • Swab in gel amies
Methodology
Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Reference Range
Not detected
Clinical Significance
Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral respiratory illness. The disease starts with high fever, malaise, cough, coryza (runny nose), conjunctivitis and Koplik spots, followed by a spreading maculopapular rash which appears about 14 days after exposure. Infants and children <5 years of age, adults older than 20, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised are at risk for severe complications which include pneumonia or encephalitis. Measles outbreaks occur in unvaccinated or not properly vaccinated individuals. Testing for acute Measles infection is recommended by the CDC using Real-Time PCR from respiratory specimens (throat and nasopharyngeal swabs) as well as testing for Measles IgM in serum. IgM antibodies may be detected three days after rash onset whereas detection of Measles RNA by RT-PCR may be detected prior to antibody development, and as late as 10 to 14 days after rash onset. The optimal time for collecting acute blood for serology is at least 72 hours after rash onset. Serum collected before then may be falsely negative.
