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

Serum should be stored and transported at refrigerated temperature and shipped on freeze packs if received within 48 hours. If greater than 48 hours serum should be frozen 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.