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Measles NAAT - RRPL

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Measles is a viral, highly contagious, airborne disease characterized by cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, fever, Koplik’s spots and a characteristic erythematous rash.

  • NAAT testing is used to confirm Measles infection via detection of Measles virus genetic material. 

Ordering Recommendations

  • Measles NAAT may be ordered for patients exhibiting Measles symptoms.

  • NOTE:  Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs MUST be collected within 4 days of rash onset.

  • NOTE:  Urine specimens received with 3.5 - 10 mL will be processed with a disclaimer that the presence of Measles cannot be ruled out. Urine specimens received with <3.5 mL will be rejected.

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab
  • Throat Swab
  • Urine (Random)

Specimen collection container

  • NP Swab/Throat Swab
    • UTM
  • Urine
    • Sterile Container (unprocessed)
    • UTM (processed)

Collection procedure

  • Nasopharyngeal Swab:

    • While holding the patient's head insert a nasal speculum. Carefully insert a small flexible wire nasopharyngeal swab, moistened with sterile water or saline, into one of the patient's nares. Guide the swab forward and slightly up-ward into the posterior nasopharynx. Gently rotate the swab (keeping the swab near the septum and floor of the nose) and leave in place for 20 - 30 seconds. Gently remove the swab and place in Universal Transport Medium (UTM).

     

  • Throat Swab

    • Use a tongue depressor to depress tongue to prevent contamination of swab with saliva. Using a sterile Dacron or calcium alginate swab vigorously rub the tonsillar area and posterior nasopharnyx. Place swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM).

     

  • Urine (Random)

    • Collect 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) of urine in a sterile container.

    • Please indicate which type of sample below is being submitted.

      • 1) Process urine by centrifuging 50 mL at 2500 x g for 15 minutes at 4°C. Resuspend the sediment from 50 mL urine in 2 mL Universal Transport Medium (UTM).  Store at 4°C and ship on wet ice for arrival at RRPL within 48 hours from collection. Otherwise, freeze at -70°C and ship frozen on dry ice.

      • 2) Or, process urine by centrifuging 10 mL at 2500 x g for 15 minutes at 4°C. Resuspend the sediment from 10 mL urine in 400 microliters of Universal Transport Medium (UTM).  Store at 4°C and ship on wet ice for arrival at RRPL within 48 hours from collection.  Otherwise, freeze at -70°C and ship frozen on dry ice.

      • 3) Or, for unspun urine specimens, store at 4°C for 72 hours and ship on wet ice.  Do not freeze unprocessed urine.

Required volume

  • 1 NP Swab

  • 1 Throat Swab

  • Urine: 50mL (minimum 10mL)

Transport and stability

  • UTM specimens (swabs or processed urine)

    • Store at 4°C and ship on wet ice for arrival at RRPL within 48 hours from collection. Otherwise, freeze at -70°C and ship frozen on dry ice.

  • Unspun Urine

    • Store at 4°C for 72 hours and ship on wet ice. Do not freeze unprocessed urine.

Performance

Methodology

  • Qualitative NAAT testing via lab developed test (Positive, Positive Genotype A*, Indeterminate, or Negative)
  • NOTE: Genotype A is not currently associated with naturally-acquired wild-type infections.  The measles vaccine is composed of Genotype A strains, and its detection in clinical samples likely indicates recent vaccination.

Days/times performed

  • All specimens will be tested at RRPL.

Maximum laboratory time

  • Turn-around-time of 24h from receipt in lab.

  • Positive Measles results are reported to a Medical Health Officer.

  • Positive Measles NAAT specimens are sent to the NML for genotyping.

Specimen retention time

  • Specimens retained for 14 days after testing.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025