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Mumps NAAT - RRPL

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Mumps is a viral illness characterized by painful swollen salivary glands (parotitis), fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, and fatigue.

  • NAAT testing is used to confirm Mumps infection via detection of viral genetic material.

Ordering recommendations

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

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

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Buccal Swab
  • Urine (Random)

Specimen collection container

Buccal Swab
  • UTM
Urine
  • Sterile Container (unprocessed)
  • UTM (processed)

Collection procedure

  • Buccal swabs:  Ideally collected within 7 days post onset of illness. Massage the parotid gland area (the space between the cheek and teeth just below the ear). Collect specimens using a sterile swab and place in the Universal Transport Medium (UTM) and break the shaft off at the breakpoint.  Transport swab to the laboratory at room temperature immediately after collection.

  • Urine (Random):  Collect 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) of urine in a sterile container.  Ideally collected within 14 days post symptom onset.

     

    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 Buccal Swab

  • 50mL (minimum 10mL) Urine

Transport and stability

  • Buccal Swab: Transport swab to the laboratory at room temperature immediately after collection.  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.

  • 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, Indeterminate, or Negative)

Days/times performed

  • All specimens will be tested at RRPL

Maximum laboratory time

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

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

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

Specimen retention time

  • Specimens retained for 14 days after testing.

Last Updated: October 23, 2025