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Measles Antibody IgM to Washington State Lab (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Lab Code
913
Epic Name
Order as "Lab Undefined Order"
External Test Id
Measles IgM, EIA
Description

Useful For: This test is used for suspected cases of acute disease. For PCR testing, see Measles PCR to Washington State Lab (Sendout).

Requirements for Testing:

  1. Obtain approval from the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) epidemiologist prior to sample collection. Do not collect specimens until testing has been approved.
    • Ordering providers must consult the LHJ epidemiologist of the patient's county of residence to obtain approval. If testing is recommended, LHJ staff will notify the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE).
    • See "Resources" below for contact information.
  2. Submit a LABUND (Laboratory Undefined) order in Epic. In the order comments, include the name and phone number of the LHJ epidemiologist as documentation of approval.
  3. Collect specimen(s) according to test guide instructions.
  4. Transport samples to the lab with a printed copy of the Epic requisition.
  5. ***Failure to provide documentation of approval will result in sample rejection.***

Collection is recommended at UW Medicine sites only.

  • UWPC and Ambulatory Clinics: Providers must obtain approval from the LHJ as described above. Contact Client Support Services at 206-520-4600 to alert the lab to incoming samples.
  • Reference Lab Clients: Due to the approval requirements and limited sample stability, clients are advised to send samples directly to the WA Public Health Lab. If sending through UW DLMP, contact Client Support Services (commserv@uw.edu or 206-520-4600) prior to sample submission. Refer to "Handling Instructions" for additional information.

***Notification 10/10/2024: Due to a nation-wide reagent shortage, Measles IgM testing is not currently performed at WA PHL. Approved orders may still be sent to PHL, who will forward specimens to CDC for testing with a turnaround time of 7 days.***

References

Resources:

  • Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist: 206-296-4774
  • For residents outside of King County, use the WA State Interactive Map of LHJ Websites
  • WA DOH Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE): 206-418-5500
  • WA PHL Test Menu
Components

Interpretation

Guidelines
Method

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (EIA)

Reference Range
References

Resources:

  • Seattle King Co. Public Health Epidemiologist: 206-296-4774
  • For residents outside of King County, use the WA State Interactive Map of LHJ Websites
  • WA DOH Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE): 206-418-5500
  • WA PHL Test Menu

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

3 mL blood in RED TOP tube or GOLD SST

WA DOH Specimen Collection and Submission Instructions: Measles IgM

Note: Optimal timing depends on immunization history. Consultation with the Local Health Jurisdiction is recommended.

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Due to the approval requirements and limited sample stability, clients are advised to register with WA DOH for ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal) access and to send samples to the WA State Public Health Lab directly.

  • If sending through UW DLMP, contact Client Support Services (commserv@uw.edu or 206-520-4600) prior to sample submission.
  • The following information is required: ordering provider name, ordering provider NPI, name and phone number of LHJ epidemiologist/staff member who approved testing, patient full name, date of birth, sex, address, and county of residence.
  • Failure to follow these guidelines will result in sample rejection.
  • Centrifuge sample and aseptically transfer serum to a sterile aliquot within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum while awaiting shipment. Transport with a cold pack.
    • Note: If shipment is delayed, freeze serum at -20°C and transport on dry ice.

Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.

Quantity
Requested: 1 mL serum
Minimum: 0.6 mL serum

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Centrifuge sample and aseptically transfer serum to a sterile aliquot within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerate serum.

  • If sample will not arrive at WPHL within 48 hours of collection, freeze serum at -20°C.

Login: SEND1-;REFRIG

  • RSNDT1: WPHL
  • RSTYP1: SRM
  • RTSRQ1: ;Measles Antibody IgM

Sendouts:

  • Place the order in the WA DOH ETOR (Electronic Test Ordering & Results Portal).
    • Manual requisitions are no longer accepted by WAPHL.
  • Order Test: Measles IgM, EIA under "WA Virology." Enter a separate order for each sample type received.
  • Print the resulting requisition and package it with the sample.
  • Send samples to WPHL via DLMP or Delivery Express courier.

Stability: Refrigerated: 48 hours; Freeze at -20°C for longer term storage. Ambient: Unacceptable.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
Performed as needed. Turnaround Time: 2-5 days.
Available STAT?
Yes, by arrangement with Department of Health Communicable Disease Epidemiology.
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Washington State Public Health Laboratory
206-418-5400

1610 NE 150th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155

Billing & Coding