Measles PCR to Washington State Lab (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Lab Code
912
Epic Name
Order as "Lab Undefined Order"
Description

Useful For: This test is performed by the WA Public Health Lab when acute measles infection is suspected. For IgM testing, see Measles Antibody IgM to Washington State Lab (Sendout).

Requirements for Testing:

  1. Obtain approval from the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) epidemiologist prior to sample collection. Do not collect specimens until testing has been approved.
    • Ordering providers must consult the LHJ epidemiologist of the patient's county of residence to obtain approval. If testing is recommended, LHJ staff will notify the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE).
    • See "Resources" below for contact information.
  2. Submit a LABUND (Laboratory Undefined) order in Epic. In the order comments, include the name and phone number of the LHJ epidemiologist as documentation of approval.
  3. Collect specimen(s) according to test guide instructions.
  4. Transport samples to the lab with a printed copy of the Epic requisition.
  5. ***Failure to provide documentation of approval will result in sample rejection.***

Collection is recommended at UW Medicine sites only.

  • UWPC and Ambulatory Clinics: Providers must obtain approval from the LHJ as described above. Contact Client Support Services at 206-520-4600 to alert the lab to incoming samples.
  • Reference Lab Clients: Due to the approval requirements and limited sample stability, clients are advised to send samples directly to the WA Public Health Lab. If sending through UW DLMP, contact Client Support Services (commserv@uw.edu or 206-520-4600) prior to sample submission. Refer to "Handling Instructions" for additional information.
References

Resources:

  • Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist: 206-296-4774
  • For residents outside of King County, use the WA State Interactive Map of LHJ Websites
  • WA DOH Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE): 206-418-5500
  • WA PHL Test Menu
Components

Interpretation

Guidelines
Method

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR)

Reference Range
References

Resources:

  • Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist: 206-296-4774
  • For residents outside of King County, use the WA State Interactive Map of LHJ Websites
  • WA DOH Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE): 206-418-5500
  • WA PHL Test Menu

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Nasopharyngeal Swab, Urine
Collection

NP Swab: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in Viral Transport Media tube (2-3 mL VTM) or Universal Transport Medium (UTM). Use only synthetic fiber swab (dacron, nylon, polyester) with non-wooden shaft.

  • Optimal collection is within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Urine: Collect 50 ml urine in sterile screw-capped container.

  • Collect ≤ 10 days post symptom onset.

Washington State PHL Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: Measles RT-PCR

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Due to the approval requirements and limited sample stability, clients are advised to register with WA DOH for ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal) access and to send samples to the WA State Public Health Lab directly.

  1. If sending through UW DLMP, contact Client Support Services (commserv@uw.edu or 206-520-4600) prior to sample submission.
  2. The following information is required: ordering provider name, ordering provider NPI, name and phone number of LHJ epidemiologist/staff member who approved testing, patient full name, date of birth, sex, address, and county of residence.
  3. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in sample rejection.
  4. Refrigerate NP swab in VTM/UTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample transport is delayed.

Stability: Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen (-70°C): Samples >72 hours old; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Quantity
Requested: 2-3 mL VTM or UTM, 50 mL Urine
Minimum: 2 mL VTM or UTM, 20 mL Urine

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Refrigerate NP swab in VTM/UTM and urine specimens. Refrigerated samples must be received by WPHL within 72 hrs. Store Frozen at ≤ -70°C if sample storage exceeds this time period.

Login: SEND1-;REFRIG

  • RSNDT1: WPHL
  • RSTYP1: NPS [and/or] URN
  • RTSRQ1: ;Measles by PCR

Sendouts:

  • Place the order in the WA DOH ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal).
    • Manual requisitions are no longer accepted by WAPHL.
  • Order Test: Measles, RT-PCR under "WA Virology." Enter a separate order for each sample type received.
  • Print the resulting requisition and package it with the sample.
  • Send samples to WPHL via DLMP or Delivery Express courier.

Stability: Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen (-70°C): Samples >72 hours old; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
Performed: Within 24 hours of sample arrival. Turnaround Time: 1 day.
Available STAT?
Yes, by arrangement with Department of Health Communicable Disease Epidemiology.
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Washington State Public Health Laboratory
206-418-5400

1610 NE 150th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155

Billing & Coding