Measles Antibody IgM to Washington State Lab (Sendout)

Useful For: This test is used for suspected cases of acute disease.

Ordering Requirements: Prior to sample submission, providers must obtain approval by contacting the Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist at (206) 296-4774. If patient is a resident of another county, contact the appropriate LHJ for permission (see resource below for contact information). LHJ staff must then notify Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE) at 206-418-5500.

• WA State Interactive Map of LHJ Websites

***Notification 10/10/2024: Due to a nation-wide reagent shortage, Measles IgM testing is not currently offered at WA PHL. Approved specimens may be sent to CDC for testing with a turnaround time of 7 days. To arrange for CDC testing through WA PHL, providers should contact the epidemiologist of the patient's LHJ and complete a WA PHL Pass Through Form.***

3 mL blood in RED TOP tube or GOLD SST

WA DOH Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: Measles IgM

Outside Laboratories (Washington State Only):

• Providers must obtain permission from the local county public health epidemiologist prior to submitting a sample. If sender is unable to complete an electronic order in the WA DOH ETOR portal, the following information is required: ordering provider name and NPI, patient full name, dob, sex, and address.
• Centrifuge sample and aseptically transfer serum to a sterile aliquot within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum while awaiting shipment. Transport with a cold pack.
  
  • Note: If shipment is delayed, freeze serum at -20°C and transport on dry ice.

Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.

Centrifuge sample and aseptically transfer serum to a sterile aliquot within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum.

• If sample will not arrive at WPHL within 48 hours of collection, freeze serum at -20°C.

Login: SEND1-;REFRIG

• RSNDT1: WPHL
• RSTYP1: SRM
• RTSRQ1: ;Measles Antibody IgM

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 IgM, EIA 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: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.