Mumps PCR

Microbiology

Notes

• For suspected cases in hospital inpatients please inform the Infection Control team as soon as possible and ensure that the patient is isolated until the diagnosis is clarified
• Suspected cases can be confirmed by a MMR oral fluid test; kits are available from the Health Protection Team on 0300 303 8162
• Mumps PCR is an alternative diagnostic method performed on viral throat swabs. This is the preferred test for hospital inpatients.
• Another alternative is Mumps serum antibody testing
• For mumps immunity, see Mumps antibodies - immunity
• Mumps is a notifiable disease. Click for notification form.

Sample requirements

Check swab expiry date before use

(Date is in YYMMDD format)

Viral swab of throat

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Date of onset
• Details of exposure to other suspected cases
• Vaccination history
• For hospital inpatients date of admission and time of isolation

Storage/transport

Store at room temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

Sent to the National Reference Centre

Up to 3 weeks