| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations |
Mumps causes epidemic parotitis and orchitis, particularly among university students. Outbreaks can occur in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations, but even fully-vaccinated people may become susceptible to mumps over time (secondary vaccine failure). Rarely, mumps can progress to viral meningitis. A diagnosis of mumps can be made on clinical grounds, and laboratory confirmation is not required, unless there are atypical features. If a case of mumps is suspected, inform public health and consider discussing the case with an infectious diseases physician or a medical virologist or a medical microbiologist. Serology tests Mumps IgG (sent to an external reference laboratory) Molecular tests Mumps 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. | |
| 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 | These tests are sent to an external laboratory. | |
| Turnround | 2-4 weeks | |
| Additional information | click here |