Mumps virus RT-qPCR
$260 | CPT Code: 87798 | Molecular lab
Specimen collection guides
Preferred specimen collection: Buccal swab specimen collection for Mumps virus RT-qPCR testing
Other acceptable specimens: Nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swab, nasal wash, and urine specimen collection for Mumps virus RT-qPCR testing
Methodology
Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
Acceptable specimen(s)
- Buccal swab specimens are preferred to test for mumps by RT-qPCR. Molecular tests are more sensitive than detection by serology.
- Buccal swabs, oropharyngeal (throat) swabs, and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs must be transported in 1-3 mL of viral transport media (VTM). Only use synthetic swabs. If both a NP and throat swab are collected, transport both swabs in the same collection tube with VTM.
- Nasal wash, urine, and cell culture isolates are also accepted.
Specimen labeling
A minimum of two of the following are required on the specimen label:
- Patient first and last name
- Date of birth
- Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)
The following information is optional, but highly preferred:
- Collection date
- The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline
The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.
Specimen stability
Swabs, nasal wash, urine, and cell culture isolates
2-8° C: 72 hours
≤ -20° C: indefinitely
Turnaround time
Three (3) business days.
Results will be available in LabOnline.
Rejection criteria
- Incomplete or missing test order
- Incomplete specimen labeling
- Specimen collected in expired collection kits
- Quantity not sufficient for analysis
- Gross contamination
- Received out of hold time
- Received out of temperature
Ordering in LabOnline
- Profile: Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular
- Testing type: Mumps PCR
- Matrix: Buccal swab, throat swab, nasopharyngeal swab, nasal wash, cell culture, urine
Completing a paper test requisition form
Complete the patient and sample information sections found at the top of the CDPHE paper test requisition form.
The following information is required for testing:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Source
- Collect date
- Collect time
Complete the comments/history section if the information is available and/or applicable to the sample.
A test selection is required.
- Find the Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular section of the form.
- Check the box next to “Mumps PCR."
- Circle the collected specimen type under the test name.
Include the test order form in the outside pocket of the biohazard bag that the sample is in. Be sure the information on the specimen tube label exactly matches the information on the test requisition form. The sample is unsatisfactory if required information is missing from the test requisition form or if there is mismatching information between the specimen label and test requisition form. Ordering in LabOnline is preferred to reduce data entry errors and for faster sample processing.
If you need an updated test requisition form or do not see this testing option, email the lab coordinators.
Supplemental information
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires reporting of all suspected or confirmed cases of mumps by physicians, health care providers, and laboratories within four (4) calendar days. Call 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours) to report suspect or confirmed mumps cases.
CDC — Video tutorial on collecting a buccal swab clinical specimen for mumps diagnostic testing
Contact information
- Client services: cdphe_labcoordinators@state.co.us
- Molecular lab: cdphe_molecular_lab@state.co.us