Measles (Rubeola) IgM Antibody, IFA (CSF)

Test Code

69394

CPT Codes
86765

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF collected in a plastic screw-cap vial

Minimum Volume

0.075 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis • Grossly icteric

Methodology
Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

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 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 3-5 days

Clinical Significance

This test is used to aid in the diagnosis of measles infection with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to measles virus in the CSF is recommended in suspected cases of acute encephalitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

Measles is an acute respiratory illness caused by the measles virus (also known as rubeola virus). Complications can occur in children younger than 5 years, adults older than 20 years, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons. Although uncommon, neurological manifestations include acute encephalitis and SSPE. Whereas acute encephalitis typically occurs 2-30 days post-infection, SSPE can develop 7 to 10 years post-infection.

Antibodies detected in the CSF may be supportive of CNS involvement. However, the interpretation of results may be complicated by the introduction of anti-measles antibodies into the CSF via passive transfer of antibody from the blood or from a traumatic lumbar puncture. Therefore, results should be correlated with clinical signs and symptoms.

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola) For Healthcare Providers. November 5, 2020. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola) Complications. November 5, 2020. Accessed February 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/complications.html.
3. Fisher DL, et al. Measles-induced encephalitis. QJM. 2015 Mar;108(3):177-82. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcu113. Epub 2014 May 26.
4. Miller, M.J., et al. A Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2018 Updated by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):e1-e94.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.