DEDICATED molecular specimens are required for blood and swab requests.

Preferred specimen: NPA – 0.5 mL

Alternative specimens: Bronchoalveoloar Lavage (BAL), Bronchial Washings (BW), Endotracheal Aspirate (ETA) Nose or Throat swab using Copan eSwab Mini Tip FLOQSwab (orange cap), Urine, CSF, EDTA whole blood

Note: If a swab larger than the Copan eSwab Mini Tip FLOQSwab (orange cap) is required, please consider using the Red Top Dry FLOQSwab - 552C.

Measles is a notifiable infection and suspected cases must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on 1300 651 160 (24 hours).

Routine Testing of Measles Nucleic Acid Detection (RT-PCR): Performed daily at VIDRL (Mon - Fri).

For urgent (after hours) Measles Nucleic Acid Detection (RT-PCR) testing at VIDRL:

Clinicians:

1. Requesting Clinician must obtain test authorisation by DHS. The requesting clinician must indicate on the EPIC order/request form that the testing has been approved by DHS (including details of the DHS approver).
2. Requesting Clinician must indicate the appropriate contact person and details (mobile/landline) for communication of VIDRL results on the EPIC order/request form.
3. Requesting Clinician to phone 9345 5904 to notify the laboratory of DHS approved urgent test.

Laboratory Staff:

1. All after hours Measles Nucleic Acid Detection (PCR) requests must be checked for urgency.
2. If test is not DHS Approved, sample is to be to be sent with next routine courier to VIDRL.
3. If approved by DHS for urgent testing:

• Contact the VIDRL On Call Medical Officer on 0438 599 437 or the VIDRL On Call Laboratory Manager on 0438 599 439 to notify VIDRL of DHS authorised measles PCR request PRIOR to sending.
• Request that VIDRL phone results to requesting doctor AND FAX results to 9345 5151 (CSR fax)
• Request that VIDRL also phone POSITIVE results to the RCH On-Call Microbiologist (via the RCH switchboard).
• Arrange courier for specimen delivery at room temperature (after hours and on weekends) to:
  VIDRL specimen delivery box located on the Grattan St face of the Peter Doherty Institute
  792 Elizabeth Street
  Melbourne 3000
  
• Faxed reports should be placed in the Molecular Micro pigeon hole for reporting.

Monday to Friday sent in the morning for – Same day testing