Laboratory Test Guide

Measles PCR to Washington State Lab (Sendout)

General Information

Lab Name

Lab Code

912

Epic Name

Order as "Lab Undefined Order"

Description

Useful For: This test is used for suspected cases of acute disease. Includes IgM and PCR testing.

Ordering Requirements:

  • Prior to sample submission, providers must obtain approval by contacting the Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist at (206) 296-4774. If patient is a resident of another county, contact the appropriate LHJ for permission (see resource below for contact information). LHJ staff must then notify Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE) at 206-418-5500.

Interpretation

Method

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR)

Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Nasopharyngeal Swab, Urine

Collection

NP Swab: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in Viral Transport Media tube (2-3 mls VTM). Use only synthetic fiber swab (dacron, nylon, polyester) with non-wooden shaft.

  • Optimal collection is within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Urine: Collect 50 ml urine in sterile screw-capped container.

  • Collect ≤ 10 days post symptom onset.

Washington State PHL Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: Measles RT-PCR

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories (Washington State Only): Providers must obtain permission from the local county public health Epidemiologist prior to submitting a sample. If sender is unable to complete an electronic order in the WA DOH ETOR portal, the following information is required: ordering provider name and NPI, patient full name, dob, sex, and address.

  • Refrigerate NP swab/VTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample is being stored for >24 hours.

Stability: Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen (-70°C): Samples >72 hours old; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Quantity

requested: 2-3 mL VTM, 50 ml Urine
minimum: 2 mL VTM, 20 ml Urine

Processing

Refrigerate NP swab/VTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample is being stored for >24 hours.

Login: SEND1-;REFRIG

  • RSNDT1: WPHL
  • RSTYP1: NPS [and/or] URN
  • RTSRQ1: ;Measles by PCR

Sendouts:

  • Place the order in the WA DOH ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal).
    • Manual requisitions are no longer accepted by WAPHL.
  • Order Test: Measles, RT-PCR under "WA Virology." Enter a separate order for each sample type received.
  • Print the resulting requisition and package it with the sample.
  • Send samples to WPHL via DLMP or Delivery Express courier.

Stability: Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen (-70°C): Samples >72 hours old; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Performing Location(s)

Sendout Washington State Public Health Laboratory
206-418-5400

1610 NE 150th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155

Frequency

Performed: Within 24 hours of sample arrival. Turnaround Time: 1 day.

Available STAT?

Yes, by arrangement with Department of Health Communicable Disease Epidemiology.

Billing & Coding

CPT codes

LOINC