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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 (Diagnostic Laboratory-Developed Test)
Reflex Testing
Positive specimens may be genotyped
​Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection Method
Human specimens:

  • ​Throat (preferred) and/or NP swab in liquid viral transport media.  Respiratory swabs must be a Dacron or synthetic tip with aluminum or plastic shaft.

​Other respiratory specimens, such as oral or nasal swabs and NP aspirates, are acceptable.

  • Urine: First catch of the day is ideal, in a sterile, leak-proof container. Processed urine is preferred.

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 and processed urine pellets: 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
Keep specimen refrigerated (2-8°C) if sample will arrive at CDPH within 7 days of collection. If sample requires storage for more than 7 days prior to arrival, freeze at -20°C or lower. Urine specimens MUST be processed before freezing. DO NOT freeze unprocessed urine. Ship specimens within 1 month after collection.

Shipping specimens frozen is strongly recommended, unless urine is unprocessed. Refrigerated specimens should be sent with frozen cold packs. Frozen specimens should be sent with dry ice. Specimens should be received within 30 days of collection. Specimens logged in at temperatures above 27°C will be tested for public health surveillance purposes only; no diagnostic result will be issued​
​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 

If specimens require priority testing, please write VRDL1 on the outside of the shipping box.

If specimens will be delivered between 12 – 1 pm, after 5 pm, or on weekends, instruct the carrier to place specimens in the specimen delivery refrigerator.
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 28 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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