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VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

 Test Order

Measles Virus (Rubeola) Detection - PCR

 
​Information Category
​Information Detail
Pre-Approval

Not Applicable

​Supplemental Information Required or Requested
Requested: Travel history, rash onset date, symptoms, measles vaccination history, contacts to known case(s)
​Submittal Form
VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form
Methodology 
Real-Time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing
Genotyping
​Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method
Human specimens: 
  • Throat (preferred) and/or NP swab in sterile collection tube with liquid viral transport media
  • Urine: Processed urine preferred
Respiratory swabs must be a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft. 

To process urine, centrifuge urine sample (10-50 mL) at 500-600 x g for 5-10 min at 2-8°C.  Discard supernatant and resuspend cell sediment in 2-3 mL of viral transport media.
​Minimum Volume Required
Respiratory swab: 2-3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium
Urine, unprocessed: 10-50 mL  
Urine, processed: Pellet resuspended in 2-3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium 
​Transport Medium (if using)
For respiratory swabs only: 2-3 mL of Universal or Viral Transport Medium 
​Specimen Labeling
​Each specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth. 
​Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions
Respiratory swabs and urine pellets: freeze or refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. 

For unprocessed urine, refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Do not freeze unprocessed urine.

Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.
​Shipping Instructions
Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment.  

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to: 

CDPH VRDL  
ATTN: Specimen Receiving 
850 Marina Bay Parkway  
Richmond, CA 94804  
Phone: 510-307-8585 
Turnaround Time
2 Business Days
Limitations
​Negative results do not preclude the possibility of infection
​Additional Information
Specimens should be collected as close to rash onset as possible and preferably within 14 days of rash onset. 
​VRDL Points of Contact
Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585
​​
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