As the mumps epidemic in Iowa continues, please be aware of the two different types of laboratory testing available for mumps described in the UIHC Pathology Laboratory Services Handbook http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/path_handbook/indices/M1.html

1) For suspected cases, specimens for serology and culture with a completed UHL requisition should be sent to the University Hygienic Laboratory as outlined under the Mumps (suspected case) link.

2) To determine whether a healthy individual is susceptible to mumps, a red top blood specimen for IgG detection should be sent to the UIHC Microbiology Laboratory (see Mumps, IgG Antibody Detection, Serum).

Information regarding the mumps epidemic is available from the Iowa Department of Public Health (http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/mumps.asp). Questions regarding laboratory testing for mumps may be directed to Dr. Gary Doern (6-8616) or Linda Aker (4-8445).