Clinical background:
Detection of measles RNA in a clinical sample can provide laboratory confirmation of infection
Specimen container paediatric:
Throat (oropharyngeal), nasal or NP (nasopharyngeal) swabs in viral transport, CSF (after discussion with Virologist).
Specimen container adult:
Throat (oropharyngeal), nasal or NP (nasopharyngeal) swabs in viral transport, CSF (after discussion with Virologist).
Minimum volume paediatric:
2ml respiratory secretions
1 Swab from site
0.5ml CSF
Minimum volume adult:
2ml respiratory secretions
1 Swab from site
0.5ml CSF
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 6 days
Quality assurance:
External Quality Assurance Scheme: INSTAND
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 43)
Other info:
N/A