Measles (PCR) Testing

No cost for this testing.

1. Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs (recommended), throat swabs (virus isolation only), urine (virus isolation only).  Throat swabs and urine are NOT acceptable specimens for PCR testing.
2. Serology and PCR specimens should be submitted in concert; please see Measles Serology for guidelines on collection and submission.

1. Viral Transport Media (VTM)-available commercially.  Some require refrigeration, others do not — check package insert.  VTM tubes must include at least 1-2mL liquid media. Dry swabs will not be accepted.
2. Swab - Swab material should be synthetic (e.g. rayon, polyester, or Dacron).  Calcium alginate or charcoal-impregnated swabs should not be used, nor should wood-shaft swabs.
3. Sterile containers and collection materials for urine or CSF specimens.
4. Cold packs or dry ice.
5. Insulated shipping boxes/containers with appropriate shipping labels.

1. Be sure to properly label the specimen tube with at least the patient’s name and date of collection.
2. Check the expiration date on the VTM tube to ensure product is acceptable and will continue to be acceptable once received at the ISDH laboratory.
3. After collection, all specimens should be stored at refrigerator temperature (2-8°C) until shipped.  If longer storage is required, place specimens in a -70°C freezer (NEVER store, even temporarily, in a regular, -20°C freezer — this temperature will kill virus).  Additionally, avoid freeze- thaw cycles, which is also lethal to viruses.  Specimens must be received at lab within 5 days of collection if stored at refrigerated temperatures.
4. Specimens can be submitted to the IDOH Laboratories by LimsNet, an online system that will make results available as PDF files the minute they are released at the lab.  To get a free LimsNet account established at your facility for electronic submission and results reporting, call the help desk at (888) 535-0011 or email to LimsAppSupport@isdh.in.gov.
5. Special Instructions for Specimen Collection
   1. Throat Swab: Rub the tonsils and posterior pharynx with a Dacron-tipped plastic swab.  Place the swab in the VTM tube.
   2. Nasopharyngeal Swab: Insert the Dacron-tipped swab through the nostril into the nasopharynx until tip reaches distance equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient.  Rotate swab several times, remove, and place swab in VTM tube.
   3. Urine:  Collect 2-5 ml of midstream, clean-catch urine in a sterile container.  A catheter urine specimen may also be used.

1. Wrap the labeled specimen container with absorbent material and place in a biohazard specimen bag.  Be sure to package each patient’s specimens individually to avoid cross-contamination.
2. Place the requisition form in the side pocket of the biohazard bag.  Never place the requisition form in with the specimen in case the specimen leaks during transit.  If the specimen bag does not have 2 compartments, place the paperwork in a separate ziploc bag.
3. Place the specimen(s) in a styrofoam container with sufficient cold packs to maintain 4^oC during shipment.  For swabs and urine, if needed, dry ice can also be used if the specimen is frozen and/or transport time may be longer than 24 hours.  If dry ice is used, do not form an airtight seal on the styrofoam container because dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas.
4. Place the styrofoam container into a cardboard shipping box, close lid, and seal.
5. Ship or transport by courier, the box compliant with DOT and IATA regulations. Ship to:
   Indiana Department of Health Laboratories
   Virology Laboratory
   550 W. 16th Street, Suite B
   Indianapolis, IN 46202

Reports will be available on LimsNet.
PCR results will be available within 1-2 business days.