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HelpTest Code ROC Rubeola (Measles) Antibodies, IgG and IgM, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Rubeola (Measles) Ab, IgG,IgM, CSFUseful For
Diagnosing central nervous system rubeola (measles) virus infection and/or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Method Name
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.25 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
IgG: <1:5
IgM: <1:10
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
86765 x 2
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| ROC | Rubeola (Measles) Ab, IgG,IgM, CSF | 90254-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5741 | Rubeola (Measles) Ab, IgG | 22501-1 |
| 5742 | Rubeola (Measles) Ab, IgM | In Process |
Clinical Information
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can be a leading cause of death where nutrition and sanitation are limited. Onset begins with cough, fever, and lymphadenopathy approximately 2 weeks after exposure. Diagnosis is usually made when the rash appears. Koplik spots may be seen earlier on the buccal mucosa. Complications of measles may develop in children who appear to have normal immune functions.
Persistent infection of the central nervous system with measles virus is recognized to cause the disease subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). SSPE is a rare, late complication of measles with an incidence of approximately 1 per 100,000 cases. SSPE is a progressive, usually fatal disease that occurs most often in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. The onset is insidious and progressive. The incubation period from acute measles to onset of neurological symptoms varies from several months to many years. One of the most useful diagnostic tests involves the measurement of measles-specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with SSPE. Levels of antibody are significantly elevated in the CSF of SSPE patients compared to those without the disease.
Interpretation
Detection of organism-specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may suggest central nervous system infection. However, these results are unable to distinguish between intrathecal antibodies and serum antibodies introduced into the CSF at the time of lumbar puncture or from a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier. The results should be interpreted with other laboratory and clinical data prior to a diagnosis of central nervous system infection.
Patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis have serum antibody titers that are 10 to 100 times higher than those seen in late convalescent-phase sera. More importantly, there is pronounced local production of oligoclonal measles virus antibodies in the central nervous system.
Cautions
Detection of organism-specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may suggest central nervous system infection. However, these results are unable to distinguish between intrathecal antibodies and serum antibodies introduced into the CSF at the time of lumbar puncture or from a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier. The results should be interpreted with other laboratory and clinical data prior to a diagnosis of central nervous system infection.
Method Description
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient is reacted with the antigen substrate. Antibodies, if present, will bind to the antigen forming stable antigen-antibody complexes. If no antibodies are present, the complexes will not be formed and CSF components will be washed away. Fluorescein labeled antihuman IgG or IgM antibody is added to the reaction site which binds with the complexes formed. This results in a positive reaction of bright apple-green fluorescence when viewed with a properly equipped fluorescence microscope. If no complexes are formed, the fluorescein labeled antibody will be washed away, exhibiting a negative result.(Package insert: Measles Virus Antigen Substrate Slide. AESKU.BION, 9/2019)