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Oregon Health Authority

Lab Test Menu Details


Mumps, Real-Time RT-PCR

Updated

2/19/2025

Search Terms
How to Order

On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Molecular” section, check the “MOL MUV: Mumps RT-PCR” box.

Availability

All suspect mumps cases and specimens submitted for testing must be coordinated with and approved by an Oregon State Acute and Communicable Disease Epidemiologist at 971-673-1111.

Performed

As needed

Time to Reporting

Within 3 working days after receipt of specimen.

If approval to test is not on file at time of specimen receipt, time to reporting begins when verification of approval to test is obtained.

CPT Code 87798


Specimen Collection Details

Collection

Collect specimens within 3 days of symptom onset. Do not collect swab specimens later than 5 days after onset.

Collect a buccal swab specimen using two Dacron tips or rayon swabs on plastic shafts submitted in Viral Transport Media (VTM) or Universal Transport Medium (UTM).

Massage the parotid gland for about 30 seconds prior to collecting specimen. Simultaneously place two Dacron® swabs between rear molars and cheek (both on the affected side if parotitis is unilateral) and leave in place 10–15 seconds. Remove the swabs, place in a tube containing 2-3 ml of cold viral transport medium (VTM) or universal transport medium (UTM), and snap off the ends at the scored breakpoint. Tightly re-seal the tube to prevent leaking.

CDC buccal swab collection instruction video:
Optimal Volume

Swab: 1-3 mL VTM or UTM

Minimum Volume

Swab: 1 mL VTM or UTM

Handling Ensure the caps on all tubes are tightly secured and do not leak. Store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport.

If specimens cannot be received at the OSPHL within 72 hours of specimen collection, freeze the specimen(s) at -20°C to -70°C pending transport.

Transport

Package specimens with fully frozen ice packs to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport. Transport for receipt at the OSPHL within 72 hours of specimen collection.

If specimen is frozen, maintain frozen temperatures during transport by properly shipping with dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures during transport.

The OSPHL recommends that specimens only be sent from your facility Monday through Thursday, and transported for receipt by 4:30pm on Fridays. Refrigerated specimens received on Saturdays may be Unsatisfactory for testing.

Rejection Criteria Swabs with calcium alginate, cotton tips, or wooden shafts; swab specimens collected more than 5 days after symptom onset; refrigerated specimens received in the laboratory more than 72 hours after collection; specimens frozen and thawed more than once.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).

Comments

Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

This test will identify the SH RNA gene of the mumps virus.

Method Details

Methodology

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Performance Specifications

Method Performance Specifications determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please contact the CDC for specifications if needed.

Change Log

2/19/2025
Updated How to Order
12/20/2023
Edits to Collection, Optimum Volume, Minimum Volume, and Rejection Criteria to remove oropharyngeal and urine as acceptable specimen sources.
5/23/2023
Reviewed; no changes