Measles PCR

Nasopharyngeal swab, Throat Swab, Urine, CSF

Urine 50 mL

CSF 1 mL

Timing of Specimen Collection

Nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate and/or a throat swab should be collected within 

seven days after onset of rash.

Urine should be collected within 14 days of onset of rash and submitted in a

sterile container. In certain situations, such as when there is a high index of

suspicion for measles (e.g. compatible illness in a returned traveler or contact

of a laboratory confirmed case) it may be warranted to test beyond the above

time periods when specimens could not be collected earlier in the illness-

this can be discussed with PHO laboratory on a case by case basis

TAT for Measles PCR is up to 3 business days of receipt at PHO’s laboratory.

Positive PCR specimens are sent for Measles Vaccine Genotype PCR.

TAT for MEA_VAC_PCR is up to 3 days after the confirmation of Measles positive

at PHO’s laboratory.

All positives will be referred to National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for

full genotyping, TAT is 21 days

 Measles PCR testing is not routinely performed after hours.

In special circumstance where after hours/weekend testing may be warranted

please contact the after hour’s emergency duty officer at 416-605-3113.