Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Measles virus (MeV), rRT-PCR
BPHL has internally validated (LDT) a qualitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) measles test utilizing the CDC protocol to detect measles (rubeola) virus.
Analyte(s)
Measles (MeV)
Test Code
1755
Testing Location
Jacksonville Laboratory
Tampa Laboratory
Miami Laboratory
Testing Department
Virology
Pre-approval Required?
Yes. Requires prior approval from Regional Epidemiology and notification to the testing lab. Contact the local county health department (CHD) to start the process for approval.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
Include all required fields, who authorized the testing, dates of MMR vaccination, onset date, collection date, travel history, and symptoms.
Turn Around time
1-5 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Minimum Volume
Throat swab (preferred): 1-3mL in viral transport medium (VTM)
NP (nasopharyngeal) swab: 1-3mL in viral transport medium (VTM)
Urine: Minimum of 1 mL, 5-10mL is preferred.
Collection Media
Viral transport medium (VTM) using a Dacron swab or a flocked polyester fiber swab
Clean voided urine in labeled sterile container (no media) with an external cap and an internal O-ring.
Specimen Sources
NP (nasopharyngeal) or throat swab (preferred)
Urine
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Specimens should be collected as soon as possible after rash, preferably within 3 days following onset of rash.
Please do not submit urine in urine collection cups as these tend to leak during transport. Urine should be transferred to a sterile tube(s), with no media, with a secure closure to prevent leakage in transport.
Notify BPHL.JacksonvilleVirology@FLHealth.gov, BPHL.TampaVirology@FLHealth.gov or BPHL.MiamiVirology@FLHealth.gov after you obtain approval that you are sending specimen(s) for testing. Provide the tracking number if being shipped or estimated time of arrival for specimens that are couriered.
Storage Conditions
Store specimens at 2-8°C until shipment. DO NOT FREEZE.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens must be shipped overnight at 2-8° C. You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
unsatisfactory specimen
1) Cotton swab was used instead of a Dacron swab or a flocked polyester fiber swab.
2) Oropharyngeal swab was collected. Test order must be for throat.
3) Quantity not sufficient (QNS).
4) Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers.
5) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order.
6) Specimen leaked in transit.
7) Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range.
Interferences and Limitations
Specimen warming or freeze thawing reduces sensitivity. A negative result should not be used to rule out measles infection as many variables can affect specimen quality.
Swabs with calcium alginate or cotton tips or with wooden shafts, can result in inactivation of some viruses and inhibit some molecular assays.
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
Measles virus detected
No virus detected
Reference lab
CDC, if needed
Reflex testing
None