Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) - IgM

Detection of IgM antibodies to the measles virus by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).

Serum or plasma (100 µL minimum) collected within 3 - 28 days of rash onset.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST) or EDTA tubes.

Follow standard laboratory techniques to prepare serum or plasma. Store at 4°C and ship at room temperature or on wet ice for arrival at the NML within 3 days of collection. Otherwise, freeze (-20°C or below) and ship frozen on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected cases of measles. Refer to reference 3 for case definitions.

Completed Measles, Mumps, and Rubella requisition form. Include date of rash onset, date of fever onset, date of last measles vaccination (if recent), travel history and/or MARS identifier (from the Measles and Rubella Surveillance application on CNPHI) or case number if available.

Please contact the lab in advance of sending samples. The NML is a WHO/PAHO accredited Measles and Rubella Regional Reference Laboratory.

Testing is done using the Siemens Enzygnost Anti-Measles Virus/IgM commercial ELISA assay (1). Positive IgM results are indicative of an acute measles infection.

21 calendar days. Turnaround time can be as short as 3 calendar days, with proper notification.

1. Tipples GA, R Hamkar, T Mohktari-Azad, M Gray, G Parkyn, C Head and S Ratnam. Assessment of immunoglobulin M enzyme immunoassays for diagnosis of measles. J Clin Microbiol 2003 Oct; 41 (10):4790-2.
2. Ratnam S, G Tipples, C Head, M Fauvel, M Fearon, BJ Ward. Performance of indirect immunoglobulin M (IgM) serology tests and IgM capture assays for laboratory diagnosis or measles. J Clin Microbiol. 2000 Jan; 38 (1):00-104.       
3. Measles and Rubella Elimination Working Group, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. Guidelines for the prevention and control of measles outbreaks in Canada. CCDR. 2013; 39:ACS-3. Available at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/13vol39/acs-dcc-3/index-eng.php#appa.
4. World Health Organization. Manual for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella virus infection. 2007. WHO/IVB/07.01
5. Tipples G, J Hiebert. Detection of measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Methods Mol Biol. 2011; 665: 183-193.