Mumps – Diagnostic – PCR
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
Specimen Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Mumps virus diagnosis |
Buccal Swab2 , throat swab |
1 swab in the transport media provided in the kit |
Virus Culture Kit order#: 390081 |
|
Mumps virus diagnosis |
Urine |
5.0 ml |
Sterile Container |
|
Mumps virus diagnosis |
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 3 |
1.0 ml |
Sterile Container |
Submission and Collection Notes
Collect a buccal swab and urine for each patient suspected of having mumps. One General Test Requisition Form is sufficient for both specimens. Indicate mumps testing on the requisition. Mark the specimen source(s), date of collection, symptoms and clinical diagnosis, dates of onset of parotitis, exposure/travel history, and vaccination history on the requisition. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Buccal Swabs: Collect using the Virus Culture kit (order # 390081). Massage the parotid gland area (the space between the cheek and teeth just below the ear) for about 30 seconds prior to collection of the buccal secretions. The parotid duct (Stensen’s duct) drains in this space near the upper rear molars. Put the swab into that space. See US CDC video demonstration.
CSF – testing may be performed in cases of aseptic meningitis
All patients being tested for mumps should also have acute and convalescent mumps serology performed. Please see mumps serology.
Notify the local public health unit on all individuals who are being tested for mumps. Please contact the PHO’s laboratory Customer Services Centre at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567 prior to submitting samples for mumps PCR testing. This will facilitate testing planning and prioritation.
Timing of Specimen Collection
Buccal swab – should be collected up to nine days from date of symptom onset.
Throat swab – should be taken up to nine days from symptom onset
Urine – should be collected up to 14 days following symptom onset
Storage and Transport
Label the specimen with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Special Instructions
Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO’s laboratory on ice packs.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
Mumps PCR is performed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
TAT for RT-PCR result is up to 3 days.
Samples that are RT-PCR positive may be cultured to facilitate mumps genotyping surveillance. Virus Culture is observed for a minimum of 17 days; samples that are positive can be observed at any point during this period.
TAT for a virus culture result is up to 18 days after receipt.
TAT will vary during the winter months.
Positive samples are sent to National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg for genotyping.
Mumps PCR testing is not routinely performed after hours. In special circumstance where after hours/weekend testing may be warranted please contact the after hour’s emergency duty officer at 416-605-3113.
RT-PCR testing is performed on mumps specimens.
Positive PCR specimens may be cultured using traditional virus culture to facilitate genotyping surveillance.
Algorithm
Samples that are positive for mumps are sent to NML, Winnipeg for further testing (genotyping).
Additional Information
All patients being tested for mumps should also have acute and convalescent mumps serology performed. Please see mumps serology .
Ensure that the lab requisition indicates that you are requesting mumps testing. Mark the symptoms, dates of onset of parotitis, exposure/travel history, and vaccination history on the requisition.
Note: Please ensure that your local public health unit is aware of all individuals who are being tested for mumps. Please contact the PHO customer services centre at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567 prior to submitting samples for mumps PCR testing.
Mumps PCR testing is not routinely performed after hours. In special circumstance where after hours/weekend testing may be warranted please contact the after hour’s emergency duty officer at 416-605-3113.
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