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Test Code MEASU Measles Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Random, Urine


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.


Secondary ID

617822

Useful For

Identifying measles infection using random urine specimens

Method Name

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reporting Name

Measles Virus PCR, Urine

Specimen Type

Urine

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine Refrigerated 7 days

Reject Due To

Samples that have been heat inactivated
Urine containing preservatives		 Reject

Clinical Information

Measles virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA paramyxovirus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus that causes acute respiratory illness. Symptoms of infection include fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Following the onset of symptoms, individuals typically develop a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. Measles virus is transmitted via inhalation of aerosols or respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. Measles virus can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated fomites. Laboratory confirmation of measles cases can be through serologic detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies or molecular detection of measles virus RNA. The use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction can provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared to serologic testing if specimens are collected early after rash onset. Collection of both respiratory and urine samples for analysis is recommended to increase the likelihood of detecting the virus.

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of measles virus RNA in the specimen.

CPT Code Information

87798

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
MEASU Measles Virus PCR, Urine 86577-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
617822 Measles Virus PCR, Urine 86577-4