Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Test Name/Synonym:

Measles
(Synonym: Red Measles)

Pathogen:

Measles virus

Test Includes:

Serology (IgG and IgM antibody)
NAT or PCR

Collection Alert:

Healthcare providers MUST call 1-877-702-4486 to arrange for blood collection BEFORE the patient is sent to the APL Collection site.

LABID (Connect Care):

Measles Immunity Serology – IgG - LAB657
Measles Acute Serology – IgM – LAB4302
Suspect Acute Measles Virus – LAB4313
Measles Virus NAT – LAB4157

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Suspected acute infection
Collect as many of the following samples as possible, to maximize detection of measles virus by NAT/PCR:

NAT or PCR
- Nasopharyngeal or throat swab in UNIVERSAL TRANSPORT MEDIUM
- Urine - STERILE CONTAINER - 10-20 mL,first voided sample of the day
IgM antibody
- 3-5 mL GOLD SST
- Pediatrics may use 2 mL RED
- Blood collected in the first 3 days after rash onset may test as falsely negative. Send a convalescent sample 7 to 10 days after the acute sample if the measles IgM is negative and measles is still strongly suspected

Immunity (IgG antibody)

3-5 mL GOLD SST

Pediatrics may use 2 mL RED

Suspected subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
Contact Public Health Lab (ProvLab)Microbiologist On Call prior to specimen collection

2 mL CSF in sterile container AND 5 mL GOLD SST or pediatrics may use 2 mL RED
Autopsy/Biopsy samples

NOTE:SSPE is a rare condition that presents in children and young adults, if they have a prior history of wild type measles infection before two years of age.

Test Resources:

Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20676.pdf

Clearly provide clinical history on requisition. This includes signs, symptoms, onset of illness, vaccination history, travel history and contact with suspected case(s).

See: Laboratory Testing for Suspected Measles 14MAY2024 for details on specimen information and submission.

Refer to Measles Collection Pathway pertinent to your zone.

Transportation:

Refrigerate but DO NOT freeze

Nasopharyngeal swab
Throat swab
Urine sample
Serum sample

Method:

The measles PCR assay can detect and distinguish between a measles wild type virus or vaccine strain that is either the Schwarz or Moraten vaccine strain. These strains are widely used in vaccines licensed for Canada, the USA and some countries in Western Europe. Vaccines prepared from other seed stock will test as presumptive wild type which in turn will be sent to the National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, for genotyping.

Routine Turn Around Time:

Measles IgM: 48 hours
Measles IgG: 72 hours
Measles PCR: 24 hours if STAT investigation of acute measles case is approved by the Virologist on Call or Medical Officer of Health, otherwise 96 hours

Testing Area:

Molecular Diagnostic, Virology

Referral Lab:

Wild type measles virus samples for genotyping and testing for suspected SSPE measles are referred to National Microbiology Laboratory.

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Additional Test Information:

Measles is a notifiable disease in Alberta

Contact Comments:

Must contact the Zone Medical Officer of Health for suspected measles cases.
For measles laboratory questions and to arrange/expedite testing, contact the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call Calgary (403-944-1110) or Edmonton (780-407-8822).

Last Updated On:

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Apr 18 2024 12:00AM