MEASLES - INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING SUSPECTED CASES
Synonyms:
Measles
Required Patient Info:
All cases suspected to be measles DO require a notification to the state health department as noted below.
- Measles PCR testing currently requires approval from the State health department.
- Measles serology testing does not require State health department approval.
Collection Procedure:
Measles PCR Specimen Collection Guidance
For all, use only synthetic fiber swabs, do not use cotton swabs or swabs with wooden shafts.
Kansas:
- Specimen: nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media or M4 transport media.
- Collection: use standard NP swab collection techniques.
- Storage: refrigerate. (Keep specimen on cold packs during transport.)
- Contact: report all suspected cases of measles to the 24/7 KDHE Epidemiology Hotline by phone to 877-427-7317 (option 5) within four (4) hours of suspicion.
- For more information on the collection and shipment of specimens for measles testing go to: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1471
- TAT: 1-2 business days after receipt at state lab
Missouri:
- Specimen:
- Within 72 hours of rash onset: Throat or nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media.
- Between 4-10 days of rash onset: Throat or nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media AND urine specimen in sterile container (no preservative).
- Collection: use standard NP or throat swab collection techniques.
- Storage: refrigerate. (Keep specimen on cold packs during transport.)
- Contact: Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (BCDCP) is required prior to specimen collection or submission. You may contact BCDCP at 573-751-6113 during business hours or 800-392-0272 (24/7). All cases or suspected cases of measles must be reported immediately to BCDCP.
- For more information on the collection and shipment of specimens for measles testing go to: http://health.mo.gov/lab/measles.php
- TAT: Within 1 business day after receipt at state lab
Limitations:
Measles PCR testing is usually positive from day 1 of rash through 3 days after the onset of rash with PCR positivity sometimes lasting up to 10-14 days from onset of rash.
Measles IgM serology is positive from day 3 of symptoms but can be negative in those first 3 days. Specimens collected before day 3 of symptoms may require second specimen in 3-10 days after symptom onset--- if measles PCR was not collected or negative.
Measles IgM serology is positive from day 3 of symptoms but can be negative in those first 3 days. Specimens collected before day 3 of symptoms may require second specimen in 3-10 days after symptom onset--- if measles PCR was not collected or negative.