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)
There are different types of measles and mumps tests. These tests can: diagnose an infection you (or your child) have now or recently had.
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.
There are different ways to test for measles and mumps. Antibody tests require a blood sample. Molecular tests often use a sample of blood or fluid from your mouth, throat, or nose. If your provider thinks you have measles or mumps, you may have more than one test.
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. These effects are temporary.
Understanding results
Positive test results mean different things depending on which test you had.
- Negative: Negative test results mean that no signs of measles or mumps were found in your sample. This usually means that you don't have measles or mumps now. Limitation: If you had a negative result on an antibody test, it also means that you are not immune to measles or mumps. Next step: If you're not sure whether you're immune to measles and mumps, or if you have questions about vaccine safety, talk with your provider.
- Positive molecular (PCR) test: A positive result on a molecular test (PCR) means that the measles or mumps virus was found in your blood, and you have an infection now. Limitation: Positive test results mean different things depending on which test you had. Next step: 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.
- Positive IgM antibody test: A positive result on an IgM antibody test means you have a measles or mumps infection now or you have had a recent infection. Limitation: Positive test results mean different things depending on which test you had. Next step: Your provider will let you know when it will be okay to return to your regular activities.
- Positive IgG antibody test: A positive result on an IgG antibody test means you are immune to measles or mumps because you had a vaccination or past infection. Limitation: Positive test results mean different things depending on which test you had. Next step: Talk with your provider if you have questions about test results.
- 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
Talk with your provider if you have questions about test results. Your provider will let you know when it will be okay to return to your regular activities.
- 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?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.