Mumps PCR

Brief Description

The Mumps virus real time reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) qualitative assay detects viral RNA in clinical specimens. This is a research use only procedure and requires epidemiology consultation. 

Laboratory Unit

Molecular Biology

Methodology

RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Orab/buccal swab (preferred):
    • Only swabs with a Dacron tip and aluminum shaft collected in a minimum of 500µl of transport media
  • Oropharyngeal swab:
    • Only swabs with a Dacron tip and aluminum shaft collected in a minimum of 500µl of transport media.
  • Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF):
    • A minimum of 200µl of CSF in a screw capped sterile container.

Storage/Transport

Consultation with district epidemiologist required prior to submission.

  • Oral/buccal swab can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than 72 hours after collection. 
  • Oral/buccal swab should be stored frozen (-70°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice after 72 hours of collection.   
  • Oropharyngeal swab can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than 72 hours after collection. 
  • Oropharyngeal swab should be stored frozen (-70°C or colder) and shipped with dry ice after 72 hours of collection.   
  • Cerebral spinal fluid can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than 72 hours after collection. 
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

  • Oral/buccal swab
  • Oropharyngeal swab
  • Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)

Test Request

Possible Results

  • Detected
  • Not detected
  • Unsatisfactory

Reference Range

Not detected

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition form
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume
  • Specimen damaged, broken, or leaked in transit
  • Cotton swabs/wooden shafts
  • Swab not submitted in VTM

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-3 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

47532-7 (Order code: 413000)