Measles IgM Draw and Hold Sample

3 mL blood in RED TOP tube or GOLD SST

This sample should be collected as a draw-and-hold sample to be held in the Virology Lab at the Central Lab for 2 weeks.

If needed, WA DOH Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: Measles IgM

Note: Optimal timing of testing depends on exposre, symptom, and/or immunization history. This sample will be collected during initial measles infection evaluation as part of the Acute Measles Order Panel

Transport:

• Suspected measles specimens must be enclosed within two biohazard bags (double-bagged) to ensure proper containment.
  Samples may be sent to the laboratory via the pneumatic tube system.
• UW-NW Only: In addition to double-bagging specimens, unit staff must use the red pneumatic tube designated for infectious material when sending samples in the tube system.

Outside Laboratories: This draw-and-hold order is not available to outside laboratories.

Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.

Transport sample to the Central Lab refrigerated as long as it will arrive within 24-48 hrs. If transportation to the Central Lab will be delayed, freeze the sample at -20°C and transport frozen.

Centrifuge sample and aseptically transfer serum to a sterile aliquot within 2 hours of collection.

Refrigerate serum and transport to the Virology Lab at the Central Lab. If sample will not arrive at the Central Lab within 24 hours of collection, freeze serum at -20°C.

The Virology Lab will freeze serum at -20°C and store it for 2 weeks for potential Measles IgM sendout testing to the WA State Lab pending PCR results.

Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.