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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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MEASLES RNA RT-PCR QUALITATIVE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB5266    Geisinger Epic ID:  210388

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Nasopharyngeal (NP) Swab


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in Universal Transport Medium.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (2-8°C).


Specimen stability: 

Stable for 3 days at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C). Stable for 4 hours at room temperature (15-25°C). 


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature. Specimens not in universal transport medium (UTM). Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Specimens collected on wooden shafted swab. Expired transport medium. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Quantity of specimen is insufficient. Improper specimen type.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative, Measles RNA not detected by PCR.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive. Measles RNA detected by PCR.
Additional information: 

This assay detected both wild-type and vaccine strain measles. Interpret results with caution withing 14 days of measles vaccination.


CPT code(s):  87638
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Molecular detection of Measles Virus.


Methodology: 
Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Synonyms: 

Measles Molecular, Measles Morbillivirus, Measles PCR, Measles RNA, Measles NAAT, Measles Wild Type.


Clinical significance: 

Measles virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA paramyxovirus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus that causes acute respiratory illness. Symptoms of infection include fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Following the onset of symptoms, individuals typically develop a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. Measles virus is transmitted via inhalation of aerosols or respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. Measles virus can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated fomites. Laboratory confirmation of measles cases can be through serologic detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies or molecular detection of measles virus RNA. The use of PCR testing can provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared to serologic testing if specimens are collected early after rash onset.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Julie Hirschhorn, PhD, HCLD(ABB)
Review Date:  09/25/2026

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