Measles Virus PCR

• Contact CEDEP prior to submission.

Patient Preparation

• None

• Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab transferred to 1-3mL of viral transport medium.

• Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying PH-4182 Clinical Submission form.

• None

• Store specimens at 2 - 8°C for up to five (5) days after collection.
• If testing will be delayed more than 5 days after collection, specimens must be frozen at (-70)°C or colder.

• Transport specimens with cold packs to maintain a temperature between 2 - 8°C.  
• Frozen specimens should be sent on Dry Ice.
• All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 

• Unsatisfactory specimens include, but may not be limited to:

- The specimen was broken or leaked in transit

- No specimen was in the container submitted

- Improper specimen type submitted

- Specimens received at improper temperature

- Specimens received without documentation of consultation.

• Nashville