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VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY

 Test Order
Measles Virus (Rubeola) Vaccine Strain Detection – PCR 

​Information Category
 ​Information Detail
Pre-Approval

Not Applicable
​Supplemental Information Requested
 Requested: Measles vaccination history, travel history, rash onset date, symptoms, if contacts to known case(s) 
​Submittal Form
 Specimens must be accompanied with a hard copy of the completed VRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form​ (PDF)​ or a form generated in the VRDL Lab Web Portal.​​
Methodology 
 Real-time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex Testing
Genotyping
​Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method
 Human specimens:
  • Respiratory specimens: Throat and/or NP swab in sterile collection tube with liquid Viral Transport Media or Universal Transport Medium
  • 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 Requested
  • 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
  • For respiratory swabs or urine pellet, 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
 3 Business Days
Limitations

​Additional Information
​This test is intended for persons who received a measles-containing vaccine within the preceding 28 days and for whom there is concern of wildtype measles infection. 

Specimens should be collected as close to rash onset as possible and preferably within 30 days after receipt of a measles-containing vaccine. 

This test is performed in parallel with Measles Virus (Rubeola) Detection – PCR.
​VRDL Points of Contact

Medical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8585 or VRDL.submittal@cdph.ca.gov​​

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