ARUP now offers a molecular measles virus test that distinguishes between disease-causing and vaccine strains of the virus.

microscope

ARUP Measles Testing Highlights

The CDC currently recommends the use of molecular detection, in addition to immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology, to improve diagnostic accuracy.1

Molecular Testing Available at ARUP

Measles Virus by Qualitative NAAT 3019269

Serology Testing Available at ARUP

Measles (Rubeola) Antibody, IgM 0099597

Measles (Rubeola) Antibodies, IgG and IgM 0050375

Why Choose ARUP?

microscope icon Detection and strain differentiation provided in a single test 

time icon Results returned in 1–3 days 

time icon Testing performed 7 days a week

 

Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness that is highly contagious. The illness spreads from person to person through the respiratory droplets of infected individuals. Laboratory testing assists in the diagnosis and patient management of individuals suspected or confirmed to have measles.

ARUP Laboratories is the first reference laboratory to offer a molecular measles test that both detects the measles virus and distinguishes between disease-causing and vaccine strains of the virus.2,3 Following vaccination for measles, approximately 5% of individuals may develop a postvaccination rash that is similar in appearance to the rash that results from measles infection.4 As individuals with a postvaccination rash are not infectious, distinguishing between vaccine reactions and infections is essential for patient management strategies.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 95% effective in preventing measles after one dose and 97% effective following the second dose.

Recent outbreaks in the United States have occurred most often in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2024, 285 measles cases were confirmed in the U.S. The confirmed cases in 2025 have already surpassed this number.5

Additional Resources

ARUP Consult Topic: Measles - Rubeola

Video: Measles by Real-Time PCR: A Rapid and Reliable Method for Measles Testing

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Laboratory testing for measles. Last reviewed Jun 2024; accessed Mar 2025.
  2. Hummel KB, Lowe L, Bellini WJ, et al. Development of quantitative gene-specific real-time RT-PCR assays for the detection of measles virus in clinical specimens. J Virol Methods. 2006;132(1-2):166-173.
  3. Roy F, Mendoza L, Hiebert J, et al. Rapid identification of measles virus vaccine genotype by real-time PCR. J Clin Microbiol. 217;55(3):735-743.
  4. Martin KG, Banerjee E, McMahon M, et al. Identifying vaccine-associated rash illness amidst a large measles outbreak: Minnesota, 2017. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;71(9):e517-e519.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles cases and outbreaks. Updated Mar 2025; accessed Mar 2025.