Rubella (German measles) virus RNAdetection by PCR CSF

DESCRIPTION – nasopharyngeal swabs are preferred sample types for detecting rubella RNA in both CRS cases and suspected acute cases

CLINICAL UTILITY – used for diagnosis of german measeles

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 6 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – serum separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum from cells within 2 hours of collection and transport 2 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 48 hours; refrigerated: 2 weeks; frozen: 1 year

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – plasma or urine. Contaminated, heat-inactivated or hemolyzed specimen

MRP – 2500

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory