| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Measles is perhaps the most highly contagious infectious disease. Cases are on the rise around the world, including in the UK and Europe, due to vaccine hesitancy among the general population. Measles classically presents with a prodrome of cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and Koplik’s spots on buccal mucosa, progressing to fever and a macuopapular rash. If a case of measles is suspected, isolate the patient, inform public health and discuss the case with an infectious diseases physician or a medical virologist or a medical microbiologist immediately Serology Tests Measles IgG Molecular Tests Measles PCR (sent to an external reference laboratory) |
Inform lab before sending | No, except for URGENT SAMPLES. Contact the laboratory on 0151 706 4410 to request urgent testing. | Specimen type | Serology Clotted blood: 5ml Clot activator and separation gel (GOLD CAPPED) container. Molecular Swabs: Swab the posterior pharynx and transfer the swab to a green-topped Virocult tube before returning it to the Virology laboratory. REMEL swab (RED CAPPED) collection kits are a suitable alternative swab collection kit. CSF: Collect at least 0.2ml using the CSF sample collection kit if available. A sterile container is a suitable alternative. If SSPE is suspected, paired CSF and serum should be submitted. |
Ideal time to take specimen | Labelling requirements | click here | How to take the specimen | Transport to the laboratory | If transport is delayed then store at +4°C | Test Times | Serology: Daily | Turnround | Serology: 3 working days | Additional information |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |