Measles Immunity Testing (serology)
Microbiology
Notes
- The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
- Measles Immunity Testing (serology) is a test performed on a blood sample.
- It is a test for the detection of measles IgG antibodies.
- Measles immunity testing is used to detect response to vaccine or past infection in certain immuno-compromised patients – this may need to be performed urgently after a recent exposure to a case of suspected or confirmed measles. For urgent testing please discuss any such scenarios with the duty / on call Consultant Microbiologist.
- Testing of pregnant women may be required in the event of possible exposure to measles. Please discuss urgently any such scenarios with the duty / on call Consultant Microbiologist.
- Please note: Immunity to measles can be assumed if the individual is known to have received two doses of measles containing vaccine (eg MMR vaccine). Measles Immunity Testing (serology) is not routinely required to confirm immunity.
- The test is used on a selected group of healthcare workers as part of pre-employment screening by Working Well (Occupational Health).
- For instructions on serological testing to diagnose current / recent measles infection, please see: Measles serology (acute infection diagnosis).
Sample requirements
Serum - single sample only, required
8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Exposure history – eg contact with a suspected or confirmed case of measles, date of exposure, and duration of exposure
- Measles vaccination history
- Whether the individual has had measles infection in the past
- State if the individual is pregnant
- State if the individual is immunocompromised
- State if the individual is a health or social care worker and the circumstances for needing testing in this context
Storage/transport
Store at fridge temperature
Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature
Turnaround time
1- 4 days
Same day testing can be performed in urgent situations eg for pregnant or immunocompromised individuals who have had recent exposure which may necessitate consideration of urgent post-exposure prophylaxis