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. For IgM testing, see Measles Antibody IgM to Washington State Lab (Sendout).

Ordering Requirements:

  • Pre-approval required. Providers must consult the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) epidemiologist of the patient's county of residence prior to sample submission. If testing is recommended, LHJ staff will notify Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE).
    • Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist: 206-296-4774 (For residents outside of King County, use the "Interactive Map of LHJ Websites" link below for contact information.)
    • WA DOH Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE): 206-418-5500

References

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 mL VTM) or Universal Transport Medium (UTM). 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. Include the name of the person approving testing at the LHJ.

  • Refrigerate NP swab in VTM/UTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample transport is delayed.

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

Quantity

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

Processing

Refrigerate NP swab in VTM/UTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample storage exceeds this time period.

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