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Test Code LAB7124 Measles PCR

Important Note

Important Notes

This is a Miscellaneous Microbiology order; please enter “Measles Virus PCR” in the order comment.

Contact: Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (BCDCP) is required prior to specimen collection or submission. You may contact BCDCP at 573-751-6113 during business hours or 800-392-0272 (24/7). All cases or suspected cases of measles must be reported immediately to BCDCP.

Infectious

Performing Laboratory

St. Louis Children's Hospital Sendout to MO State Publich Health Lab

Specimen Requirements

Missouri:

Specimen:

Within 72 hours of rash onset: Nasopharyngeal (preferred) or Throat (acceptable) swab in universal transport media.

Between 4-10 days of rash onset: Nasopharyngeal (preferred) or Throat (acceptable) swab in universal transport media AND urine specimen in sterile container (no preservative).
For more information on the collection and shipment of specimens for measles testing go to:  http://health.mo.gov/lab/measles.php 

 

Illinois:

Specimen:

Obtain throat or nasopharyngeal swab in universal transport media early in acute phase of illness, preferably within 3 days of onset of symptoms.

For more information on the collection and shipment of specimens for measles testing go to:  https://dph.illinois.gov/measles

Collection: use standard NP or Throat swab collection techniques

Sample Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Logistics

Test Availability: Daily
Cut-off time: None

Days set up by performing lab: Sunday-Friday (excluding State and Federal holidays)

Turnaround Time: Not listed

Reference Values

Reference Interval: Negative

Critical Value: None established

Methodology

Real Time PCR

Limitations

NA

Additional Information

FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY

Lab Processing Instructions: DO NOT PROCESS. Give specimen directly to sendout bench.
Transport Temperature: Store refrigerated.
Analyte Stability: NA

Note: Throat or NP: 1 swab in viral transport media

Test Classification and CPT Code

Misc Micro

87798

LOINC

NA

Last Reviewed

08/2025