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Measles serology (acute infection diagnosis)

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 serology for diagnosing measles infection is a test performed on a blood sample – it is used to diagnose current or recent measles infection
  • Detection of measles IgM is consistent with recent / current measles infection
  • Rash coincides with the production of antibodies
  • If you are performing serology to diagnose infection you should also be sending a viral swab (mouth or throat) for measles PCR testing as well – Click  Measles swab (PCR) - for diagnosing measles infection for instructions
  • All suspected cases of measles should be discussed urgently with the UK HSA Health Protection Team – diagnosis can also be confirmed by taking and testing a MMR oral fluid test; kits are available from the UK HSA Health Protection Team – telephone the HPT to discuss the case and to arrange oral fluid test kit testing (0300 303 8162)
  • Please note: Measles is a notifiable disease. Click for Notifiable Diseases notification form
  • For measles immunity testing , see Measles Immunity Testing (Serology)
  • Measles serology for diagnosing measles infection testing is part of the following viral screen sets:

Sample Requirements

Full size

Serum - paired samples normally required

8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube

Required information

  • Relevant clinical details
  • Date of onset
  • Details of exposure to other suspected cases
  • Vaccination history
  • Also essential to know if MMR vaccination has been given very recently

Storage/transport

Store at fridge temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

This is a reference laboratory test so turnaround time is affected by time to transport the sample from the clinical area to the GRH Microbiology Laboratory and time to transport the sample to the testing laboratory, and the turnaround time of the testing laboratory is 2-5 days.

Published: 25th January 2024

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