Measles and Mumps Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Measles immunity test, Mumps immunity test, Measles blood test, Mumps blood test, Measles viral culture, Measles virus by RT-PCR test (PCR test for measles virus RNA in blood, nose/throat fluid, or urine; also for mumps virus by RT-PCR)
Measles and mumps are contagious viral infections. Tests can diagnose an active infection or check immunity. They include antibody tests (IgM for current/recent infection, IgG for immunity) and molecular tests (PCR) that look for the virus. A blood draw, swab, or nasal wash is used. Results help guide care and public health efforts. Vaccination is the best protection.
Specimen: Blood, fluid from nose or throat, or urine (depending on the test).
Why this test may be ordered
- To diagnose an active infection of measles or mumps.
- To find out whether you are immune to measles or mumps (due to vaccination or past infection).
- To help find and control outbreaks of measles and mumps in the community.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for measles testing or mumps testing.
Blood draw from a vein in your arm; swab of nose, throat, or cheek; nasal aspirate or wash; spinal tap (if encephalitis or meningitis is suspected).
There is very little risk to measles or mumps testing. A blood test may cause slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. A swab test may cause a gagging feeling or even a tickle when your throat or nose is swabbed. A nasal aspirate or wash may feel uncomfortable. These effects are temporary.
Understanding results
Measles and mumps tests can help diagnose an active infection or show whether you are immune. Results depend on which test you had. Talk with your provider about what your results mean.
- Negative: Negative: No signs of measles or mumps were found in your sample. This usually means you don't have measles or mumps now. Limitation: A negative result on an antibody test means you are not immune to measles or mumps. Next step: Your provider can discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
- Positive: Positive: The meaning depends on the test type. For a molecular (PCR) test: the measles or mumps virus was found in your blood, and you have an infection now. For an IgM antibody test: you have a measles or mumps infection now or have had a recent infection. For an IgG antibody test: you are immune to measles or mumps because you had a vaccination or past infection. Limitation: A positive result on a molecular test (PCR) means the virus was found and you have an infection now. A positive IgM antibody test means you have a current or recent infection. A positive IgG antibody test means you are immune due to vaccination or past infection. Next step: If you have an active infection, stay home for several days to recover and avoid spreading the disease. Your provider will tell you when it is safe to return to regular activities.
- A blood test may cause slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly.
- A swab test may cause a gagging feeling or a tickle when your throat or nose is swabbed.
- A nasal aspirate or wash may feel uncomfortable. These effects are temporary.
- A spinal tap carries its own risks; discuss with your provider if this test is needed.
What to do next
If you (or your child) have a measles or mumps infection, you should stay home for several days to recover and to make sure you don't spread the disease. Your provider will let you know when it will be okay to return to your regular activities. Talk with your provider if you have questions about test results.
- Do I need a test to check my immunity to measles and mumps?
- Do I or my child have symptoms of measles (rash that starts on the face and spreads to the chest and legs, high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, pink eye, tiny white spots in the mouth) or mumps (swollen painful jaw and puffy cheeks, headache, earache, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, painful swallowing)?
- Am I pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
- Am I going to attend a school or start a job that requires proof of immunity?
- Am I a health care worker who may be exposed to people with measles or mumps?