Ordering Guidance

This polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test should be ordered for individuals with suspected measles infection and symptoms such as rash, cough, fever, and conjunctivitis 6 to 14 days of rash onset.

This test is not recommended for patients 0 to 5 days after rash onset. A PCR test on a throat swab is recommended: see MEASR / Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR.

If measles virus IgM antibody testing is positive (ROGM / Measles [Rubeola] Virus Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum) this PCR test should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of measles infection.

Additional Testing Requirements

This test should be ordered together with MEASR / Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Throat, in patients at 6 to 14 days of rash onset to increase the sensitivity of detecting the measles virus.

Shipping Instructions

Specimens must be shipped at refrigerated temperature. Specimens received frozen will be rejected.

Specimen Required

Container/Tube: Sterile tube

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random urine specimen during the 6-to-14-day period after rash onset in a sterile urine tube.

2. No preservative.