Specimen:

Serum

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

2 ml; red top tube (no additive)

Testing
Schedule:

Test performed twice weekly.

Analytic Time:

3 days

Reference Range:

Negative

Comments:

Test performed twice weekly.

Test
Limitations:

This test is a qualitative enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay
(ELFA) for the detection of IgG antibodies to mumps virus to
provide a means of determining the immune status of
individuals.  Mumps is a paramyxovirus that causes an acute
generalized infection primarily in children and adolescents (1).
Mumps is usually a self-limited, benign infection with one-third of
infected individuals remaining asymptomatic, however,
complications (meningitis, encephalitis, epididymo-orchitis,
oophoritis, et al) may occur (1).  A mumps vaccine used in the
U.S. since 1967 is credited with a >99% drop in the annual
number of cases documented in 1996 (2).

A negative mumps IgG test result indicates possible
susceptibility to mumps infection.  If a patient has an equivocal
result, a new specimen will be requested for repeat testing.  A
positive test result indicates prior exposure to mumps (usually by
vaccination) or a convalescent stage of infection.

A false positive result is possible due to cross-reactions with
other paramyxoviruses  (i.e., parainfluenza viruses) (3).  Positive
results in patients that have received blood products within the
past 3 months may not indicate the patient's true immune status.

References

1) Baum SG and N Litman. 2000. "Mumps virus." In G.M. Mandell.,
J.E. Bennett, & R. Dolin. (Eds.) Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's
principles and practice of infectious diseases. 5th ed. (pp. 1776-
1781). Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone.

2) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1997. Status
report on the childhood immunization initiative: reported cases of
selected vaccine-preventable diseases-United States, 1996.
MMWR 46:665-671.

3) Harmsen T, et al. 1992. Comparison of a neutralization
enzyme immunoassay for evaluation of immune status of
children vaccinated for mumps. J Clin Microbiol 30:2139-2144.

Methodology:

Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Immunoassay (ELFA)

Sample
Processing:

Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of 
collection.
Aliquot serum into labeled container and cap.
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Centrifuge within one hour of draw time.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate serum 2-8 degree C.

Transport
Instructions:

Use refrigerated coolant packs.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.

CPT Code:

86735

See Additional Information:
Microbiology Specimen Collection and Transport