Kelly McPhail, Microbiologist III
Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories
Telephone Number: 785-296-1644

Vaccine-Preventable Disease Serology

Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Varicella Zoster (VZV)

Infection with viral agents can sometimes only be confirmed by the patient’s antibody response. Isolation of a suspected agent is not always possible because of improper timing or method of specimen collection, instability of the virus, inadequate transport conditions, or contamination of the specimen. Even if isolation is possible, the time to detection in cell culture may require up to 7 days for Measles (Rubeola) or Mumps viruses and up to 14 to 21 days for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Timely serological testing may provide useful evidence for the presence or absence of infection or indicate previous exposure (naturally-acquired or vaccine-associated) to the suspect agent.

The detection of specific IgM antibody in acute serum provides strong evidence of current infection, especially in the absence of detectable specific IgG antibody. The presence of specific IgG in acute serum indicates previous exposure. However, test results of a single serum specimen often lack significant diagnostic value. Analysis of paired acute and convalescent sera are required for confirmation of a current infection. Acute serum specimens should be collected within 3 to 7 days after onset of symptoms. Convalescent specimens should be collected at 1 to 4 weeks after the acute specimen. Acute specimens will be tested within 1 to 2 business days of receipt by KHEL. If a convalescent specimen is later received, the paired sera will be tested simultaneously for comparison of antibody response.

The following table shows the serological tests offered by KHEL for the agents listed. (See Rubella Immune Status for Rubella screening information).

VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASE SEROLOGICAL TEST METHODS

NOTE: Measles, Mumps, and Chicken Pox (Varicella Zoster) are reportable diseases in Kansas. State law requires a telephone report within 4 hours of suspect or confirmed cases of Measles or Mumps. Contact the Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention toll-free at (877) 427-7317 or fax reports toll-free to (785) 877-427-7318.

See the Manual of Health Laboratory Tests for detailed information on the available assays.