Rapid Measles Test: 5 Best Test For Infection Diagnosis

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, is characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinct rash. Measles test involves clinical evaluation, blood tests, and detection of specific antibodies. Understand the importance of early detection and treatment for prevention of severe complications.

 

5 Measles Test for Accurate & Early Diagnosis

Early Measles test is crucial for timely treatment, preventing complications, and limiting the spread of the highly contagious virus.

 

In Measles tests, healthcare professionals may use the following tests:

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test
2. IgM Antibody Test
3. IgG Antibody Test
4. Serologic Testing
5. Viral Culture

 

 

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

• Highly sensitive and specific: PCR test accurately detects measles virus RNA.
• Provides quick turnaround time for measles test.
• Aids in identifying measles infection during the early stages.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test	Details
Also Known As	PCR Test
Purpose	Detects measles virus RNA
Sample	Nasopharyngeal swab, blood, urine
Preparation	Proper collection of samples
Procedure	Amplification of viral RNA
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	1,000-5,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of measles virus
Normal Value	Absence of measles virus
Accuracy	High sensitivity & specificity
Interpretation	Measles infection confirmed

PCR test detects measles virus RNA with high accuracy, providing results within hours. Positive confirms infection, negative rules it out.

 

2. IgM Antibody Test

• Detects recent measles infection through specific antibodies (IgM).
• Confirms current measles infection, aiding in measles test.
• Early detection possible as IgM antibodies appear during the acute phase.

IgM Antibody Test	Details
Also Known As	Measles IgM Test
Purpose	Detects measles antibodies (IgM)
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Proper collection of blood
Procedure	Detection of IgM antibodies
Test Timing	1-2 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of IgM antibodies
Normal Value	Absence of IgM antibodies
Accuracy	Reliable in diagnosing infections
Interpretation	Current or recent measles infection confirmed

IgM Antibody Test detects measles-specific antibodies (IgM) in blood, confirming or ruling out current/recent infection. Results are obtained within hours.

 

3. IgG Antibody Test

• Determines immunity to measles through the detection of IgG antibodies.
• Useful for assessing vaccine effectiveness and past infection history in measles test.
• Helps in identifying individuals who are protected against future measles infections.

IgG Antibody Test	Details
Also Known As	Measles IgG Test
Purpose	Determines immunity to measles
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Proper handling of blood
Procedure	Detection of IgG antibodies
Test Timing	2-3 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of IgG antibodies
Normal Value	Presence of IgG antibodies
Accuracy	A reliable indicator of past infection
Interpretation	Immunity to measles confirmed

IgG Antibody Test detects measles-specific IgG antibodies in blood, confirming immunity or past infection. Results obtained within hours.

 

4. Serologic Testing

• Serologic testing detects antibodies in the blood to assess measles immunity or infection.
• It involves measuring both IgM and IgG antibodies for a comprehensive evaluation in measles tests.
• Plays a crucial role in surveillance, outbreak investigations, and assessing vaccination coverage.

Serologic Testing	Details
Also Known As	Measles Serology Test
Purpose	Assess measles immunity
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Proper collection & handling of blood
Procedure	Detection of measles antibodies
Test Timing	A few hours
Test Price (INR)	500 - 2,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of measles antibodies
Normal Value	Absence of measles antibodies
Accuracy	Reliable Measles Surveillance Tool
Interpretation	Measles antibodies present, indicating immunity or infection

Serologic Testing detects measles antibodies in blood to assess immunity or infection in measles diagnosis. Results obtained within hours.

 

5. Viral Culture

• Viral culture test isolates and grows the measles virus for an accurate measles test.
• It provides definitive evidence of active measles infection.
• Viral culture test aids in studying the virus and monitoring its characteristics during outbreaks.

Viral Culture Test	Details
Also Known As	Measles Culture Test
Purpose	Isolation of measles virus
Sample	Respiratory urine, blood, tissues
Preparation	Proper handling of samples
Procedure	Identifying measles virus
Test Timing	Several days
Test Price (INR)	1,000-5,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of measles virus
Normal Value	Absence of measles virus
Accuracy	Provides definitive evidence of infection
Interpretation	Active measles infection confirmed

Viral Culture Test isolates and confirms active measles infection through cultivation of the virus. Results obtained in several days.

 

Measles Diagnosis Tests Overview

Test Name	Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test	IgM Antibody Test	IgG Antibody Test
Also Known As	PCR Test	Measles IgM Test	Measles IgG Test
Purpose	Detects measles virus RNA	Detects IgM antibodies	Determines immunity through IgG antibodies
Sample	Nasopharyngeal swab, blood, urine	Blood	Blood
Preparation	Proper collection & storage of samples	Proper collection	Proper handling
Procedure	Amplification of viral RNA	Detection of IgM antibodies	Detection of IgG antibodies
Test Timing	2-4 hours	1-2 hours	2-3 hours
Test Price (INR)	1,000-5,000	500-2,000	500-2,000
Result Value	Presence or absence of measles virus	Presence or absence of IgM	Presence or absence of IgG
Normal Value	Absence of measles virus	Absence of IgM antibodies	Presence of IgG antibodies
Accuracy	High sensitivity & specificity	Reliable for recent infections	Reliable for past infections
Interpretation	Measles infection confirmed	Current or recent infection confirmed	Immunity to measles confirmed

PCR Test detects measles virus RNA, IgM Antibody Test detects IgM antibodies, and IgG Antibody Test determines immunity through IgG antibodies. Results obtained within hours after Measles Test.

 

Measles Differential Diagnosis

Similar Disease	Differentiating Factors
Rubella	Absence of Koplik spots.
Roseola	Absence of Koplik spots, the rash appears after the fever subsides.
Scarlet fever	Absence of Koplik spots, presence of "strawberry tongue".
Parvovirus infection	Absence of Koplik spots, distinctive rash on cheeks.
Adenovirus infection	Absence of Koplik spots, diverse clinical manifestations.

Measles differential diagnosis includes rubella, roseola, scarlet fever, parvovirus infection, and adenovirus infection. Differentiating factors include absence of Koplik spots, timing of rash, and specific clinical manifestations.

 

Best Doctor for Measles 

Specialist	Description
Pediatrician	Specializes in child healthcare
Infectious Disease Doctor	Expert in infectious diseases
Allergist/Immunologist	Focuses on allergies and immunity

The best doctor for measles can be a Pediatrician who specializes in child healthcare after Measles Test.

 

7 Interesting Facts of Measles Diagnosis

Here are 7 Interesting Facts about Measles Diagnosis.

1. Measles can be diagnosed by detecting viral RNA through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.
2. Measles-specific IgM antibody test confirms a recent infection.
3. IgG antibody test determines immunity to measles.
4. Serologic testing assesses measles antibodies in the blood.
5. Viral culture test isolates and grows the measles virus for identification.
6. Throat and nasal swab tests can be used for measles tests.
7. Measles diagnosis plays a crucial role in preventing outbreaks and guiding public health interventions.

 

Conclusion

Accurate and timely measles diagnosis through measles tests like PCR, IgM/IgG antibody tests, and serologic testing is crucial in measles test for effective management, prevention of outbreaks, and informed public health interventions.

 

Reference

• Measles - Wikipedia [1].
• Measles - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf [2].
• Measles - WHO [3].