Measles Culture
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.