Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
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