Measles Testing FAQs

The DSHS Laboratory offers both serologic and molecular tests for measles:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgG antibodies to measles virus in human sera

• Validation of an IgM serologic test is currently in progress at the Laboratory and IgM testing will be available after validation is complete. In the interim, IgM testing will be forwarded by the DSHS Laboratory to a reference laboratory.  

• Real-time RT-PCR to detect the presence of measles virus RNA

Please call 1-800-705-8868 immediately to report suspected measles cases.
Report suspected or confirmed cases of measles to the disease reporting contact of the patient’s county of residence. Reporting is mandatory.
Reporting contacts by county/public health region are available here. Your disease reporting contact will advise you on how to submit specimens to the DSHS Laboratory for measles testing.

For IgM serologic testing, collect serum specimen three or more days after rash onset.

For Real-time RT PCR testing, collect swab specimens up to 10 days after rash onset. Use dacron or rayon swabs with plastic shafts. Do not use cotton swabs with wooden shafts. The material in cotton and wood will interfere with the PCR process. Real-time RT PCR testing is the most sensitive test for identifying whether a person is infected with the measles virus.

• The Laboratory accepts serum specimens for serologic (ELISA) testing.
  • Minimum required volume of serum is 200 µL, but more is preferred.
• Throat swabs are the preferred specimens for Real-time RT-PCR testing.
• Nasopharyngeal swabs or oral swabs are also acceptable for Real-time RT-PCR testing.
  • All swabs should be submitted in 1 mL–2 mL of Universal Transport Media (UTM) or Viral Transport Media (VTM).

New submitters can set up a submitter account by downloading a Submitter Identification (ID) Number Request Form, available on the DSHS website at Laboratory Testing Services Manual - Forms and Laboratory Fee Schedule | Texas DSHS. Complete all applicable fields and email the form to labinfo@dshs.texas.gov or fax it to 512-776-7533.
A Lab Reporting team member will create a new submitter account for your facility and provide a master copy of the submission form you will need to submit measles specimens to the Laboratory.

Yes. You can sign up for the DSHS Laboratory’s Lab Online/Web Portal to access test results quickly. You must have a DSHS submitter account to enroll for web portal access. The DSHS Lab Reporting Group can onboard new submitters to the online web portal when creating a new submitter account. Existing submitters may also request access. Each facility must designate a Facility Administrator during the web portal sign up process.

Visit Remote Data Systems | Texas DSHS for more information on signing up for web portal access.

For serum specimens:

• Store and ship specimens cold between 2°C and 8°C if specimens will arrive at the Laboratory less than 48 hours after collection time.
• Store and ship frozen at -20°C or colder if the specimens will arrive at the Laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.
• NOTE: Never freeze serum in separator tubes.

For swab specimens:

• Store and ship swabs cold between 2°C and 8°C if they will arrive at the Laboratory within 48 hours of collection.
• Freeze swabs at -70°C if they will arrive at the Laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.

Please note:

• Do not ship specimens for Sunday or holiday delivery.
  The Laboratory will reject specimens that arrive out of temperature range.
  • Ship via overnight courier with earliest delivery option.
  • Do not ship via USPS.
  • Specimens older than 48 hours that are received defrosted/cold are classified as unsatisfactory and will not be tested.  

Refer to the DSHS Laboratory Measles Specimen and Submission Guidance Job Aid for more submission guidance. 
 

• Two business days for measles PCR testing.
• Two business days for IgG serology testing.
• TAT for IgM serology specimens that are sent to our reference laboratory will be delayed.

Measles testing fees, per the 2025 DSHS Fee Schedule are:

• Measles Real Time PCR $ 137.16
• Measles, IgG $ 23.09

In certain circumstances, measles testing fees may be waived. Please refer to Confirmed Case of Measles - January 2025 | Texas DSHS for details on possible fee exemptions.

There are no exemptions to the requirement to freeze specimens that will arrive at the Laboratory more than 48 hours after collection. The Laboratory will reject any specimens that arrive defrosted/cold.

Out-of-temperature range specimens are unsatisfactory for testing as they are more likely to generate false negative results due to degradation of measles virus RNA. Shipping frozen specimens with dry ice is the best way to ensure they remain frozen during shipping. The DSHS Laboratory recommends submitters ship specimens as soon as possible after collection to ensure specimens arrive at the correct temperature.